3 Things to Do When Your Child Has a Toothache

Toothaches can be scary for kids and their parents. When your child has a toothache, taking action as soon as possible is important. Your child’s pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, can help.

At Big Grins, we offer emergency dental treatment, dental examinations, and treatments like tooth fillings to help our patients get the care they need. If your child has a toothache, we can help. Below are three things to do when your child has an aching tooth.

1. Talk to the Dentist

A toothache is a sign of a problem. It can happen when there’s a chip or crack in the tooth enamel, a cavity, or something as serious as an infection in the tooth.

The dentist should address all of these problems. If your child has a cavity, for example, they should get a filling as soon as possible before the decay worsens and the result is an infection.

This is why one of your first steps should be to call the dentist. Your child’s dentist can help you decide if your child has a dental emergency and, if so, what to do next.

2. Give Medications If Recommended

The dentist may recommend that your child take some over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen. Always follow doctor recommendations when giving your child medication, and follow doctor or manufacturer dosage instructions.

Note that if your child has a fever, this could result from an infection in the tooth. Acetaminophen will reduce the fever, but the infection remains. Keep an eye on your child and watch for changes.

3. Rinse With Salt Water

Rinsing with salt water can help alleviate a toothache while you’re waiting to bring your child to the dentist. Combine one cup of water with one tablespoon of salt. Stir, then have your child swish the water around their tooth. Do not have your child drink the saltwater.

Is your child having a dental emergency? Seek pediatric emergency dental care in Fort Collins, CO. Call Big Grins today to make your child’s next appointment with our dental professionals.