Working With My Dentist
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Working With My Dentist

A few years ago, I realized that I was thinking about dental care all wrong. Instead of listening carefully to my dentist and making the necessary changes, I assumed that he was ultimately responsible for making sure that my teeth stayed healthy. Unfortunately, I developed a few serious cavities because I failed to properly brush and floss my teeth, and I knew that it was my fault. I decided to start taking notes at my dental checkups and carefully abiding by the dentist's orders. The difference was almost miraculous. This blog is all about working with your dentist to improve your result.

Working With My Dentist

How To Soothe Your Child's Toothache

Siiri Puro

A toothache is bad enough for an adult, so imagine how horrific it is for a child. Kids are usually more sensitive to pain and may have trouble sleeping and doing their daily activities with a toothache. Whether the tooth pain is due to a cavity or abscess, your child does not have to deal with the excruciating pain forever. It is possible to give your child relief until you can get him to the dentist's office. Here is some helpful advice on how to soothe your child's toothache:

Have Your Child Rinse With Salt Water

One of the simplest ways to give your little one relief from a toothache is to have them swish salt water in their mouth. This solution will reduce inflammation on the tooth and ease the pain. It can be done before your child goes to school and will make him or her feel a lot better. Instruct your child to rinse their mouth with salt water for a minute or so without swallowing any of it. 

Try a Cold Compress

If your child's tooth pain is caused by an injury instead of tooth decay, you can put a cold compress on the side of their cheek. The compress will take some of the swelling down and numb the pain.

Give Clove Oil a Chance

Clove oil is perfectly safe for children to use, so treat your little one's toothache with it. The oil contains antibacterial and analgesic properties, which are effective at treating toothaches. After putting a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball, place it directly on your child's painful tooth. Have your little one hold it there until the pain stops. If your child is reluctant because of the clove oil's strong scent, explain that the oil will take the pain away.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks

If your child has a sore tooth, it will be extra sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Having even a bite of ice cream can make the pain much worse. Until your child's toothache is properly treated, do not let him or her consume anything too hot or too cold.

Remove Food Particles With Floss

If your child has any food particles between their teeth, it could increase pressure and cause more pain. Carefully remove any leftover food particles with floss. Your little one might be fussy at first, but they will feel a lot better afterward.

Administer Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation and give your child temporary relief. Make sure the dosage amount is appropriate for your child's age. If your child has trouble taking down a pill, try giving him or her a liquid version of the medication. 

Use a Potato

Another good way to control your child's tooth pain is to place a potato slice on the sore tooth. The anti-inflammatory properties in potatoes are effective at reducing swelling and pain. After a few minutes, your child should find some relief.

Go to the Dentist

Your child's tooth pain will likely continue if you do not find the root of the problem. It is important to take your little one to the dentist's office as soon as possible. The pediatric dentist will examine your child's sore tooth and determine what is causing the pain. If your child is nervous about going to the dental office, remind them that the dentist is a friendly person who is there to help. Stay by your child's side at all times to ease their nerves. It may also be a good idea to bring your child's favorite stuffed animal.

For more information, talk to a professional, like those at Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics


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