It can be heartbreaking to see a child in pain. This may be especially true when it comes to a toothache because the pain likely won’t go away on its own. Finding the right pain reliever for kids to relieve the pain without any side effects or other health risks is important.

To help you find the best medicine for tooth pain, we’ve put together this simple post on how to identify tooth pain in your child, what the best options are for pain relief, and the next steps you can take to help minimize children’s tooth pain and support great oral hygiene moving forward.

How to Identify the Type of Pain

The first step in choosing the best pain reliever for kids is to identify the type of pain you’ll be treating. While it might seem like a no-brainer, there are a few easy steps you can take to get started:

• Just ask. When your child says “it hurts,” this can potentially mean a lot of different things. Ask constructive questions appropriately phrased for your child’s age, such as: “Is it a dull kind of pain that stays the same, or a sharp pain that’s more like poking?” It’s also a good idea to ask specific questions like: “Where exactly does it hurt?” and, if your child is learning numbers, “How badly does it hurt on a scale of 1 to 10?” Answers to these questions can help you pinpoint the problem and get more information on what the cause might be. While asking direct questions might not be a viable option for younger children or infants, gathering clues about the type and severity of the pain is still a crucial first step in identifying the best medicine for tooth pain.

• Inspect the area. Once you have a general sense of the pain your child is experiencing, the next step in finding the right pain reliever for kids is to take a look. Gently visually examine the area, but be careful not to cause greater irritation. Be on the lookout for information like whether the pain appears to have a normal cause, such as teething, or if something else appears to be going on. For a more thorough inspection, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a professional. 

• Call in reinforcements. Given the nature of oral pain, it can be challenging to determine the exact cause and severity without the help of an expert. For the most trustworthy analysis of the situation, and for a recommendation on the best medicine for tooth pain based on your child’s age and the underlying issue, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist. 

Know Your Options

When it comes to finding the right pain reliever for kids, it’s important to know what’s out there. Certain treatments for tooth and gum pain are topical, while others are made to be orally ingested. Of course, another major difference is over-the-counter medications versus pain relievers that are specifically prescribed. The latter is typically reserved for more serious issues, or may be associated with a specific treatment plan. Another option is homemade toothache remedies, which can range from swishing with warm saltwater to tasty peppermint treatments and more. Ultimately, the best medicine for tooth pain will depend on a number of factors, including your child’s age, the type of pain being experienced, and what your dentist recommends. 

Build Healthy Habits

While there are a number of great options for pain reliever for kids, one of the most important things is to practice excellent oral hygiene.

At Children’s Dentistry of Las Vegas, we’re passionate about helping our patients find the best medicine for tooth pain and create healthy habits that preclude the need for it  at every age. Contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more today.