Toothache also known as pulpitis, is when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed and infected. A toothache is caused when there is an injury on the tooth. Usually a poor dental hygiene leads to what is known as “cavity”. It is important to note that preventing toothache in children is possible. This is what this article aims to achieve.
Causes of toothache in children
Toothache can be caused by a lot of factors, especially for children. However, there are very likely causes of child toothache. They are listed below:
1. Tooth decay:
This is a yellow-brown defect in the enamel. Where this commonly appears the surface of one of the molars. The pain is usually dull, for tooth decay.
2. Dental Abscess:
A tooth decay usually graduates to become a tooth abscess. This is when a pus pocket has formed within the root of the tooth. In this case, a “gum boil” or pimple will be seen below the gum line and the pain is usually the pain is severe and throbbing.
4. Gum Disease:
Here, the gums turn red and tender. If tooth cleaning is ignored, the gum might even bleed. This condition is known as “Gingivitis”.
5. Stuck Food:
When hard food may become wedged between 2 teeth, it is likely to result to a toothache. Ensure the child flosses properly.
6. Cracked Enamel:
when the teeth bite something that is very hard, it might result into a crack on the tooth. The tooth might look normal, but it becomes very sensitive to hot or cold drinks.
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Symptoms of a toothache in a child?
Although symptoms may differ for every child, below are the most common symptoms of a toothache:
1. A sore, tender jaw around the tooth
2. Fever
3. Constant, throbbing pain in a tooth
4. Pain in the tooth that gets worse when the tooth is touched
5. Pain in the tooth that gets worse with hot or cold foods or liquids
6. General tiredness
7. Persistent, Throbbing Pain in a Tooth without Any Identifiable Trigger
8. Constant Dull Ache in the Teeth or Jaw
9. Sharp, Stabbing Pain When Chewing
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How to diagnose toothache in children
It is first of all important to visit a dentist at least twice every year, to check and diagnose wether or not there’s a toothache, because sometimes the symptoms of toothache may seem like other health or dental problems.
The dentist may decide to carry out x-rays on the child, to ascertain if the internal tissues, bones, and teeth are all in perfect condition. The dentist can also use a transilluminator to check for cavities in the teeth.
Common signs of a toothache in babies and toddlers include
1. constant rubbing of the teeth, gums and/or jaw.
2. sudden changes in eating habits, including refusal to eat.
3. fussiness.
4. Difficulty sleeping.
5. Many babies and toddlers experience
Alot children experience these symptoms to some degree while teething. It is important to consult a pediatric dentist if your child experiences these symptoms persistently.
Preventing toothache in children. What you can do.
You cannot be so sure of what children always put in their mouths, but below are few tips you can follow to reduce the frequency of your child’s toothaches:
1. It is important to educate children on oral health and encourage them develop good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, to avoid building up plaques.
2. Encourage the child to eat healthy foods and avoid sticky snacks that can cause tooth decay.
3. Visit the dentist with your child every six months. This will help monitor their oral health and identify potential problems.
4. Ensure that your children do not put sharp objects in their mouth. Objects that may cause injury to their gums.
5. Limit the consumption of of the children and ensure they rinse their mouths thoroughly with water or mouthwash after consuming foods with high sugar.
Home remedies to preventing toothache in children
1) Use Peppermint Tea Bags
This cam be used to relax sensitive gums. Get peppermint tea bags that are freshly used, put them in a freezer for few minutes, then place them between the child’s cheek and gums. That way, the pain will be relieved.
2) Use Over-the-Counter Medicines
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen a pain relievers that can help dull toothache. You should however, only opt for this option if the pain persists. Make sure you follow the dosage prescriped.
3) Rinse mouth with Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
This should be used with causion, because it is dangerous if swallowed, eventhough it helps dull toothache. Mix with water and use as mouth wash. Make sure the child rinses the mouth with plain water after using the mixture.
4) Use Clove Oil
Clove oil eases discomfort in the tooth. You can either soak the oil with a cotton wool an apply it on the affected area or chew the whole clove to extract the oil and hold on affected for 30 minutes. Cloves contain natural anesthetic, because of its eugenol content, hence it’s ability to ease pain in the tooth.
5) Massage tooth with Aloe Vera Gel
Apply aloe vera gel to the painful area and massage it gently. Its antibacterial properties can help destroy mouth bacteria that cause tooth decay and thereafter relief pain.
6) Use Thyme Mouthwash
To create a mixture, boil a cup of water and add thyme leaves to it, allow to cool and use as mouth wash. Mint oil can also be used. Simply soak a ball of cotton wool in the oil and place on affected area.
7. Rinse with warm salt water
This is one remedy that is tried and trusted. Salt is known for its ability to kill bacteria and the warm water eases the swelling of the gums and reduces the discomfort. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and simply teach the child how to rinse the mouth with it. It can be the child’s new mouthwash.
8) Use Garlic Paste
Garlic naturally has antibacterial properties and is also a pain reliever. Regardless of it’s unpleasant smell, it can help ease toothache. To make garlic paste, simply crush a clove or more of garlic, then use a cotton wool to apply it to the affected area.
9) Apply a Cold Compress to affected area
What this does is that, it constrict blood vessels, thereby relieving pain.To achieve this, get a cold compress or an ice pack. Place the compressor on the child’s cheek of the affected area. Do this for 20 minutes, repeatedly every hour. This helps in preventing toothache in children.