Tooth and gum problems can cause some of the most intense pain you’ll ever experience. As an adult, suffering through a toothache is hard enough, but when a child has a toothache, it’s unbearable for them and their parents. If you or your child is suffering from a toothache or gum infection, immediately make an appointment with Johnson Family Dental, your Paducah area dentist, so you can both get relief and treat the underlying issue. But while waiting for your meeting with the dentist, keep the following toothache remedies in mind.
Frequent causes of toothache in children are dependent on their age. For infants, usually, the cause is a new tooth erupting below the gum line during the teething process. If you suspect this is the cause of your baby’s fussiness, have them chomp down on a cold, wet washcloth.
Wet the washcloth, and put in the freezer for a few minutes before giving it to your baby. Many stores also sell teething rings that you can keep in the freezer for when those pesky teeth start to make their appearance. There are also safe medications on the market that you can put on the baby’s gums where the tooth is starting to erupt. The medicines will numb the area.
For older children between 2 to 5 years of age, a toothache is usually an indicator of something more serious. It could be a chipped tooth, a sign of tooth decay, or from agitating an already loose tooth. If you suspect something serious is the cause of your child’s toothache, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your Paducah area dentist. For toothaches in older children, you can give your child a children’s pain reliever while they await their appointment.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 will start to lose their baby teeth, and their adult teeth will begin to come in. This can cause your child a lot of discomfort and distress. Large molars are some of the most painful tooth eruptions. When this happens, have your child first gargle and rinse their mouth with warm salt water. Next, you can massage the gum with a cold, wet washcloth or put numbing gel on the gum. Children can also take safe, OTC anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate some of their pain.
Your child should visit a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. Don’t delay getting care for your child’s teeth. Without proper care and attention, your child can experience tooth decay, pain, and infection. Not to mention, early preventative measures will save you money in the long run. As they get a little older, we hope they will become of our family at Johnson Family Dental in Paducah. Remember, teeth are the only part of the body that can’t heal itself. Getting your child into a tooth care routine when they are young will pay off dividends for you and your child as they get older.
If you are looking for a family dentist in Paducah, we hope you will give us a call at Johnson Family Dental at (270) 554-2432. Johnson Family Dental is conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd in Paducah, KY. Our normal office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm.