Toothaches can cause major discomfort for children—and major stress for parents. If you’re unsure what to do if your child has a toothache, you’re not alone. At Valencia Smiles Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Valencia, CA, we’re here to help you understand the cause, provide comfort at home and know when it’s time to see a pediatric dentist.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Reassure Your Child

One of the first steps in what to do if your child has a toothache is to remain calm. Your child may be scared, in pain, or unsure of what’s happening. Reassure them in a gentle, soothing tone that you’re going to help them feel better. A calm approach will help them feel safe and allow you to assess the situation more clearly.

Step 2: Look for the Cause

When considering what to do if your child has a toothache, you’ll want to identify the cause of the pain. Ask your child:

Where does it hurt?
When did it start?
Does it hurt when eating, drinking, or all the time?
Is it a sharp pain or a dull ache?

Next, gently examine their mouth. Use a flashlight to check for:

Swollen or red gums
Food stuck between teeth
Cavities or dark spots
Cracked or chipped teeth

Finding the source can help determine what to do if your child has a toothache and whether it’s something that can be managed at home or needs professional attention.

Step 3: Clean the Area

Sometimes, toothaches are caused by food debris irritating the gums. If you’re wondering what to do if your child has a toothache and the pain is mild, try cleaning the area gently. Have your child brush and floss around the painful tooth. Then have them rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water). This can help soothe irritation and wash away harmful bacteria.

Step 4: Offer Pain Relief at Home

If cleaning doesn’t fully relieve the discomfort and you’re still deciding what to do if your child has a toothache, there are a few safe at-home remedies to try:

Cold compress: Apply a cold pack to the outside of your child’s cheek to help reduce swelling and numb the area.
Over-the-counter medication: If appropriate for your child’s age, give children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to your pediatrician’s instructions.

Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums—it can burn sensitive tissue and cause more harm than good.

Step 5: Know When to Call the Dentist

One of the most important parts of what to do if your child has a toothache is knowing when to seek professional help. Call your pediatric dentist if:

The toothache lasts longer than 24 hours
There is swelling in the face or gums
Your child has a fever
The pain is severe or interferes with eating and sleeping

These symptoms could indicate a cavity, infection, or abscess that requires immediate care. Our team at Valencia Smiles Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is ready to help relieve your child’s pain and restore their dental health.

Step 6: Follow Through with Treatment

When thinking about what to do if your child has a toothache, it’s also important to follow up on any treatment recommendations. Depending on the diagnosis, your child may need:

A filling for a cavity
Antibiotics for an infection
A crown or sealant
Tooth extraction in extreme cases

We’ll walk you through every step and make sure your child feels safe and supported during treatment.

Preventing Toothaches in the Future

While it’s essential to know what to do if your child has a toothache, it’s just as important to prevent them in the first place. You can protect your child’s smile by:

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Flossing every day
Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks
Scheduling dental checkups every 6 months
Wearing mouthguards for sports

Our team at Valencia Smiles is committed to helping kids maintain healthy, pain-free smiles from their first tooth through their teen years.