January 21, 2026
Few things are more stressful for parents than a child crying from tooth pain especially when it happens at night or comes on suddenly. A toothache in children can have many causes, and while some are mild, others need prompt dental care.
Here’s how to safely treat toothache in children at home temporarily, what to avoid, and when it’s time to see a dentist.
Common Causes of Toothache in Children
From real-world dental experience, the most common reasons children develop tooth pain include:
- Cavities – the leading cause of toothache in kids
- Erupting teeth – especially in toddlers and young children
- Dental trauma – falls, sports injuries, or accidents
- Infection or abscess – often linked to untreated decay
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – can cause jaw and tooth soreness
Identifying the cause helps determine whether home care is enough or if urgent dental treatment is needed.
What You Can Do at Home (Temporary Relief Only)
Home care can help ease discomfort, but it should never replace a dental exam.
1. Gently Rinse the Mouth
- Use warm salt water for children old enough to rinse and spit
- Helps reduce bacteria and soothe irritated gums
2. Cold Compress for Swelling
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of the cheek for 10–15 minutes
- Reduces swelling and numbs pain
- Never apply ice directly to the skin
3. Keep the Area Clean
- Gently brush around the sore tooth
- Remove trapped food particles without poking the gums
4. Child-Safe Pain Relief
- Use children’s pain relievers only as directed
- Never give aspirin to children
- Avoid placing medication directly on the gums or tooth
What NOT to Do for a Child’s Toothache
Some common internet “remedies” can be harmful:
- Do not apply clove oil directly to gums
- Do not use heat on facial swelling
- Do not ignore pain lasting more than 24 hours
- Do not wait if there is swelling or fever
These can worsen infection or delay needed care.
A Real-Life Parent Scenario
A parent brings in a 6-year-old who woke up crying with tooth pain. The pain eased slightly with a cold compress, but returned the next day. A dental exam revealed a deep cavity close to the nerve.
Because care wasn’t delayed, treatment was simple and the child avoided a more serious infection.
This is a common example of why early dental visits matter, even when pain seems to improve temporarily.
When Is a Child’s Toothache an Emergency?
Contact a dentist as soon as possible if your child has:
- Persistent or severe pain
- Facial or gum swelling
- Fever
- Pain when biting
- A knocked-out or broken tooth
- Bad taste or pus in the mouth
These signs may indicate infection and should not be treated at home.
How Dentists Treat Toothache in Children
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Fillings for cavities
- Treatment for infection
- Care for dental injuries
- Monitoring erupting teeth
- Night guards for grinding
Modern pediatric dental care focuses on gentle, pain-free treatment and helping children feel safe.
Final Thoughts for Parents
If your child has a toothache, you’re doing the right thing by looking for answers. Home care can help temporarily, but tooth pain is often a signal that something needs professional attention.
Early care usually means:
- Less pain for your child
- Less stress for parents
- Simpler treatment overall
