Toothaches can strike at any time, and when they affect your child, the discomfort and worry can be overwhelming. While professional dental care is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment, it’s also important to know what safe and effective steps you can take at home to relieve your child’s pain.
Here, we have a guide from our team of Specialist Pediatric Dentists here at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers.
1. What Causes Toothaches in Children?
The most common causes of toothaches in children include:
See also
How Are Cavities in Toddlers Treated?
2. Signs Your Child Has a Toothache
Your child may not always say their tooth hurts. Watch for signs like:
3. Safe Toothache Home Remedies for Children
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend the following remedies to temporarily manage discomfort at home until you can see a dentist:
3.1 Rinsing with Warm Salt Water
Have your child rinse their mouth gently with warm salt water (½ tsp of salt in 1 cup of water). This can reduce bacteria and soothe gum tissue.
Note: Only for children who can rinse and spit reliably—generally age 6 and up.
3.2 Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off). This helps reduce swelling and numb the area.
3.3 Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief. Always follow dosing guidelines based on your child’s weight and age.
Important: Never give aspirin to a child unless your child’s pediatrician prescribes it. It has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition.
3.4 Gentle Cleaning Around the Tooth
Gently brush and floss the area to remove trapped food that may be irritating the gum or tooth.
3.5 Avoiding Triggers
If chewing worsens the pain, switch to soft foods and avoid extremes in temperature. Let the child eat on the opposite side of the mouth until seen by a dentist.
If your child has multiple sores, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, or lesions around the lips and skin, this could be a sign of a more serious condition like a viral infection and should be assessed promptly.
4. What NOT to Do: Remedies to Avoid
Home remedies found online may be unsafe or harmful to children. We recommend avoiding the following:
5. When to Call the Pediatric Dentist
Take your child to a pediatric dentist if your child:
Even if symptoms improve temporarily, an underlying issue—such as a cavity or infection—may still require treatment.
6. Preventing Future Toothaches
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, our Specialist Pediatric Dentists recommend:
Toothaches can be distressing for both you and your child, but knowing how to respond can bring quick relief—and prevent complications. While home remedies can provide temporary comfort, they are not a substitute for professional dental care.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, contact Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers. Our pediatric dental experts are trained to treat children of all ages with care, compassion, and expertise. We have clinics in Jumeirah, Marina Walk, The Springs Souk, and Uptown Mirdif. Call us at 04 394 7777 today.
