Toothache is often experienced by children. In contrast to adults, giving toothache medicine to children requires special attention and should not be careless.
Toothache in children is mostly caused by cavities or teething. Symptoms include: salivatingtooth pain and throbbing, swollen gums around the tooth, and fever or headache.
Parents can give their child toothache medicine to reduce pain before taking him to the nearest dentist.
Toothache medicine for children that is safe
Some toothache medications for children that are believed to relieve tooth pain include:
1. Paracetamol
If a child has a toothache, parents may panic and immediately look for over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain. You can give pain relievers, such as paracetamol, as a toothache medicine for children.
But make sure that the dose of toothache medicine for children given is appropriate and in accordance with the weight or age of the Little One. Remember, always read the instructions for use carefully when you want to give a toothache medicine to a child.
2. Warm water
Ask the child to gargle using warm water, not salt water. Gargling can help release food particles and debris that may be stuck in between your child’s teeth.
In addition, it is also recommended to clean the remnants of food stuck between the teeth with dental floss
3. Clove oil
To reduce pain, mix a few drops of clove oil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil or coconut oil, then apply it to the aching tooth using a cotton swab. Remind the child not to swallow the oil.
4. Cold compress
You can also apply a cold compress to the cheek where the tooth hurts for 20 minutes to help reduce the pain.
Things that need to be considered
It is not recommended to give aspirin to children or adolescents, because this drug can increase the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by swelling of the brain and liver.
You also should not give toothache medicine that contains benzocaine in children under 2 years of age. Benzocaine can reduce oxygen intake in the child’s body. Lack of oxygen can be fatal and result in death.
Preventing Toothache in Children
Toothache in children can be prevented by instilling good habits in caring for dental and oral health, namely:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride for 2 minutes
- Clean your teeth with dental floss every day
- Reduce foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar
- Regularly visit the dentist at least 2 times a year
If the various treatments above have not been able to relieve your child’s toothache, you should take your child to the dentist to get further treatment.
Don’t delay taking her to the dentist if her toothache doesn’t go away after 2 days, gets worse, is accompanied by fever, ear pain, or pain when opening her mouth.
