How to Treat Kids Tooth Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Parenting is a full-time job, and when your child has tooth pain, you may need to work overtime! Toothaches can keep kids up at night and make it difficult for them to eat without pain—but there is hope! During this unprecedented time, dental offices are open for dental emergencies in New York. Furthermore, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices must implement new and enhanced safety procedures as recommended by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control. Most likely, the dentist will do an exam and check for cavities, inflammation, redness and possibly take x-rays. In the meantime, it is important that you treat the pain so that your child can get a full night’s rest and eat without discomfort.
Ways to Treat Tooth Pain
In the case that you can’t get to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible, here are some interim ways to help ease dental related pain in children:
- Administer children’s acetaminophen
- Try a teaspoon of salt mixed with a cup of warm water to reduce tenderness
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek closest to painful area
- Apply clove oil to the gums using a cotton swab
- Offer comfort and reassurance to kids as stress can exacerbate pain
Symptoms to Watch Out For (Along With Tooth Pain)
If you notice that your child has one or more of the following symptoms, call your dentist as soon as possible in case of an infection:
- Swollen lymph nodes near the mouth and jaw
- Pus and inflammation
- Fever
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Tooth that changes color (turns dark)
These signs can signal a tooth abscess which usually means that there is an infection present. Left untreated, a dental infection can cause tooth loss and may spread to other parts of the mouth and surrounding tissues.
One of the best things that you can do for a child with tooth pain is to see a dentist! Not only can your child’s dentist discover what is causing the tooth pain, they can effectively treat it. Advanced Children’s Dentistry provides a comforting yet comprehensive dental care experience for both parents and children. Contact us for an emergency dental appointment today at 516-758-KIDS.
