A 3 year old child has a toothache, what should I do? Toothache in a child: what to do. Local preparations for the treatment of toothache

Choosing the right pain reliever to relieve the symptoms of dental pain in a small child is much more difficult than for treating a similar ailment in an adult.

The difficulty of choosing lies in the fact that not all medications commonly used in dentistry will help children with toothache.

The tablets must be absolutely safe for the baby's health.

There can be many reasons for toothache in a child, from caries to inflammation, which is dangerous because it can develop into gumboil. Sometimes pain in the oral cavity may have no connection with the teeth at all and may arise for a completely different reason.

Easing the suffering of a beloved child is a priority for every parent. Its solution becomes significantly more complicated if it is not possible to immediately consult a doctor (if painful sensations appeared during holidays or weekends, at night or while traveling). For these and any other cases, the home first aid kit should always contain products that can help the child.

Among the variety of remedies that can help children relieve the unpleasant symptoms of toothache, several main types that are widely used in practice should be highlighted:

Various gels and ointments.
Homeopathic remedies.
Painkillers and antipyretics.
Antihistamines.
Folk remedies.

The basis of the pharmacological composition of ointments and gels is the active anesthetic, which is most often used as lidocaine. This chemical helps block pain receptors in soft tissue. The anti-inflammatory components contained in the composition are necessary to relieve swelling of the gums.

The ointment or gel is applied directly to the painful area in the mouth; as a rule, it has an immediate effect, with a visible effect appearing within a few minutes.

Their main disadvantage is the short period of action of the drug, while the number of times it can be used in one day is limited, as indicated in the instructions. The gels are suitable for children who are too small to take pills on their own, and it will only be enough to coat their gums.

If the baby has noticeable swelling, as well as when the first teeth erupt, anti-inflammatory drugs will be needed to relieve toothache. The effect of their action lasts up to half a day. They are best used when the temperature is very high.

Ibuprofen for children in suspension form

The active ingredients of these drugs are ibuprofen and paracetamol. They help remove signs of pain, swelling, redness and itching. For home use, tablets are easier to use, but there are also other forms, such as suppositories and syrups.

A good effect for relieving toothache in children can be achieved using homeopathic medicines. They mainly contain natural ingredients and are almost completely harmless. The greatest benefit from them is observed when the first teeth erupt.

Treatment of toothache in children using folk remedies is associated with great risk. It is best to resort to them when particularly necessary and under the supervision of a pediatrician. Herbs and decoctions that are good for adults can cause allergic reactions in children. Alcohol tinctures are strictly prohibited for use by children of any age. If there is an objective need to give a child a herbal decoction for toothache, then its concentrate should be much weaker than when preparing for an adult.

For infants and small children, suppositories, gels or ointments are better suited for toothache, while tablets are suitable for older children.

Analgesics for toothache in children

If you need to use a drug to relieve toothache in children, you should remember that not all medications used by adults are suitable for children.

Only products containing paracetamol or ibuprofen are safe for them.

For children aged three to six years, the dose of paracetamol is calculated according to body weight.

The maximum dose is 60 mg per 1 kg of child weight. This indicator is divided into 3-4 doses, depending on the strength of pain and its intensity.

For children aged 9-12 years, the maximum dose is 2 g of medication. This means that the child can take one paracetamol tablet of 500 mg each 4 times a day. The tablets are taken after meals and washed down with plenty of water.

Paracetamol should not be given to children under two months of age. The duration of administration should not exceed three days.

Ibuprofen is considered less effective and is usually recommended in cases of existing contraindications for taking paracetamol. This substance is contained in the following types of tablets:

ibufen;
Nurofen;
Bofen;
ibuprofen.

These medications are taken according to the instructions supplied with them.

Ibufen and Nurofen for children

If there are signs of gum inflammation, children should be given antihistamines, such as fenistil, taken orally up to three times a day. You can give a tablet of activated carbon, loratadine, cetrin or Zyrtec. All of them will quickly relieve swelling of the nasopharynx and make breathing easier.

Even if the pills bring temporary relief, you should not delay a visit to the doctor so that a specialist can establish the correct diagnosis.

Toothache can become unbearable, so it is necessary to have it in your first aid kit. You will find the names of some drugs in the article. And also read about how to get rid of toothache for a pregnant woman.

A list of anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of toothache is presented.

Video on the topic

Toothache in a child is an unpleasant phenomenon that makes parents worry, since children still cannot really explain their sensations, and it is not so easy to persuade an adult child to go to the doctor. What are the main symptoms of toothache in children? How to help a child survive suffering? What remedies are most effective for toothache? You will learn about this and more from the article.

The main causes of toothache in children

Caries is the main cause of toothache in children

The first cause of toothache in early childhood is. And in this case, it’s not the teeth that hurt (since essentially they don’t exist yet), but the gums.

Is your baby crying and fussy? Refuses to take the breast, puts everything in his mouth? Congratulations, his baby teeth have started to come in. But during this difficult period, parents have absolutely no time for positive emotions, since the child is feeling unwell. How can you tell if your baby is actually teething? Here are the main symptoms:

gums become swollen and red,
the child puts toys, fingers,
salivation increases,
if you are breastfeeding your baby, during feeding he may try to bite and pinch the nipple: this is how the baby scratches his gums, as itching appears during the teething process,
sometimes during this period the body temperature may rise.

In children who already have a set of baby or permanent teeth in their mouth, one of the main causes of toothache is.
Increased sensitivity of enamel – one of the main causes of toothache. It is not difficult to determine: the baby will be hurt by cold, hot, or sour things. The reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon may be:

if the dentin at the neck of the tooth is exposed for some reason,
wedge-shaped tooth defect,
impaired metabolism of minerals in the body,
endocrine diseases,
CNS diseases.

The child may also have sore gums. after tooth extraction or its independent loss. This can happen for several reasons:

if the hole where the tooth fell out is dry, the gums may hurt,
alveolitis (the main symptom is bright red gums),
allergies but painkillers that were used when removing a tooth.

Pulpitis – the next stage of caries, when the pulp is affected. In this case, the baby will be bothered by throbbing pain.
If dairy the tooth started stagger , gums may hurt from constant tension and movement.
Flux– a complication of caries or pulpitis, which is also one of the causes of toothache. Flux symptoms:

aching pain that does not go away even when taking painkillers,
pain radiates to the ear, neck, temples,
temperature rise,
deterioration of the baby's general condition,
the gums swell and take on a bright red tint,
swelling of the cheek may appear on the side of the flux,
very often the lymph nodes in the neck area become enlarged.

Children are very active and often fall, so one of the most common causes of toothache in children is various dental injuries:

injury,
dislocation,
fracture, fracture
chipped

If a child has suffered a tooth injury, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant consequences.

5 remedies for toothache

If your baby’s tooth hurts, and you can’t visit a doctor in the near future, you need to know how to help your baby. There are many ways and means to reduce pain and alleviate the condition of the baby before visiting the dentist.

So, the main remedies that relieve toothache in children:

Gels, ointments.
Homeopathy.
Medicines that reduce body temperature.
Antihistamines.
Folk remedies.

Now let's look at all these methods in more detail.

How to help your baby teething

Is it possible to survive the period of teething with minimal suffering? Of course, there are a huge number of drugs that can reduce pain in a baby. They can be divided into several groups:

Local remedies: anesthetic gels and ointments

Calgel - gel for relieving toothache during teething

These drugs relieve pain due to the action of the anesthetics they contain (for example, lidocaine). Anesthetics block pain receptors located in the gums, as a result of which the pain is dulled or completely disappears.

In addition, gels often contain herbal and anti-inflammatory components, which make it possible to relieve inflammation from the gums. The gel or ointment acts almost instantly, but the analgesic effect does not last long - about 30 minutes.

The most effective gels:

Kalgel – an effective product that contains lidocaine and the antiseptic cytilperidine. The product does not contain sugar and acts almost instantly.
Cholisal-gel – this medicine has antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The gel has a special structure that allows it to stay on the gum mucosa for as long as possible. The effect lasts about 3 hours.
Dentinox-gel – contains chamomile tincture, so it perfectly relieves inflammation.
Kamistad gel baby – The gel contains lidocaine and chamomile, it quickly penetrates the tissue and relieves swelling and pain.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies consist of natural ingredients that act systemically, facilitating the process of teething and the general condition of the baby. The most effective are the following drugs:

Traumeel S ointment contains exclusively plant components. The drug perfectly relieves swelling, itching and pain. The ointment can be applied to the baby's gums 2-3 times a day.
Dentinorm Baby drops– contains many natural components, acts systemically.
– effectively help babies not only during teething, but also during other diseases. Suppositories have the following effects: sedative, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

These medications are used for elevated temperatures during teething. Such remedies act systemically, which is why their effect lasts a long time – up to 12 hours. If your baby has a fever due to teething, you can use one of the following:

paracetamol,
ibuprofen.

These drugs are very effective in relieving the unpleasant symptoms of teething: pain, itching, redness and swelling of the gums, as well as general weakness. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the names of the main active ingredients, and the name of the drug itself may be different depending on the form of its release.

Anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in relieving toothache

The most common are:

Panadol (baby syrup),
paracetamol in the form of suppositories,
paracetamol in tablet form,
Ibufen (syrup),
Bofen (syrup),
Nurofen (syrup),
ibuprofen in suppository form.

It is very important to follow the dosage of the drug, and also consult with your pediatrician before doing so. Basic admission rules paracetamol:

paracetamol is contraindicated in children under 2 months of age,
It is not recommended to use the medicine for more than 3 days,
Do not give paracetamol just for pain relief if the baby does not have a fever.

Ibuprofen

for children over 3 months of age, ibuprofen is available in the form of a suspension,
tablets can be given to children from 6 years of age,
Candles are also very effective and can be used for children from 3 months.

Antihistamines are also quite effective in relieving itching and swelling:

Parlysin drops – A strong medicine, it can be given to the baby once a day. The drops perfectly relieve swelling and also facilitate nasal breathing.
Fenistil drops – relieve swelling and facilitate nasal breathing, can be used 3 times a day.

All of the above drugs help not only with teething, but also in older age. It is, of course, advisable to first consult a dentist to find out the cause of toothache.

Folk remedies for toothache in children

Please note that not all folk remedies that you use for yourself are suitable for your baby. Many herbs can cause an allergic reaction in a baby. Be extremely careful. Also, children should not use alcoholic tinctures of herbs. It is best to use weak herbal decoctions.

We offer you several safe and effective ways to relieve your child’s toothache:

Rinsing with herbal decoctions helps relieve inflammation:

lemon balm,
chamomile,
sage.

Rinsing with soda solution has a good antiseptic effect. This remedy perfectly relieves swelling.
Place a piece of ice wrapped in a scarf or towel on your baby's cheek.
Remember: never heat the area where the tooth hurts. This will only make the situation worse.
Propolis has an excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is good to rinse the affected tooth with its tincture.
Oak bark decoction is an excellent remedy for toothache.

If your baby complains of tooth pain, he may have something stuck between his teeth. Examine your baby's mouth, and if a piece of food or other object is stuck between the teeth, carefully remove it.
If there are no suitable medications at home, a regular saline solution will do: a spoonful of salt in a glass of warm water.
During the period of toothache, the baby should not eat sweet, spicy, salty, or hard foods.
You need to place a piece of lard on the sore gum: this is a proven folk method.
Give your baby a mint candy. This will relieve the pain a little.

Causes of toothache not related to dental diseases

Sometimes toothache can be a consequence of diseases and conditions that are completely unrelated to diseases of the teeth and gums:

Otitis media: often pain in the ear radiates to the back of the jaws, simulating toothache,
sinusitis: This disease is characterized by an inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses, which are located just above the tips of the roots of the teeth. And therefore, the disease often becomes the cause of toothache,
problems with the nervous system,

rarely the cause of such pain can be heart diseases.

Toothache torments a child, makes him capricious, nervous, and irritable. The baby cannot eat normally. Contact your dentist immediately and determine the cause. If this is not done, the pathology will develop, and toothache may return at the most inopportune moment.

Why can a child have toothache?

A common cause of toothache is tooth decay. Microbes first destroy the enamel. When caries is advanced, the tooth root and nerve endings are affected. Other reasons:

hypersensitivity of tooth enamel;
periodontitis;
inflammation of the gums;
chips, microcracks of tooth enamel;
periodontitis;
eruption of baby teeth;
jaw injuries;
cyst/granuloma;
pulpitis;
opening of the neck of the tooth.

Ways to eliminate toothache in children

To relieve pain, prescribe:

Homeopathic medicines. They do not contain synthetic components and have few side effects. Doctors recommend Traumeel-S, Dentinorm Baby, Viburkol suppositories.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are antipyretic and analgesic syrups, for example, children's Nurofen, Panadol. Temporary relief occurs after 15-20 minutes. after a single dose.
Special pastes. They relieve pain during the eruption of baby teeth and have a short-lasting effect. Dentists recommend SPLAT-Junior and SPLAT Magic Foam pastes.
Antihistamines. They relieve swelling of the gums, relieve inflammation, and have a weak analgesic effect. The child is prescribed Parlysin and Fenistil drops.
Folk remedies. They cause allergic reactions, the analgesic effect is selective. Decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, lemon balm, and sage help.
Acupuncture massage.

Children's painkillers

The task of parents is to quickly relieve pain. Pain relief for toothache for children is produced in the form of drops, spray, ointment and gel, and is used externally. Tablets are taken orally as recommended by a doctor.

Indications for the use of medications:

acute pain;
inflammation of the gums;
infectious lesions of the oral cavity;
pain caused by loosening or impact of a tooth;
inflammation due to periodontal disease;
flux (complication of caries and pulpitis).

Toothache tablets for children

Drugs in this form of release relieve pain, relieve inflammation, and normalize body temperature.

Important: when taking tablets, follow the dosage and take into account the age of the child.

An effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is Nimesulide. Description:

Ingredients: nimesulide.
Action: reduces the synthesis of pain mediators at the site of inflammation.
Directions for use: 1-2 tablets. 2 times/day after meals. The course of treatment is no more than 2-3 days.
Contraindications: age under 12 years, peptic ulcers of the digestive tract, Crohn's disease, hemophilia, bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, hyperkalemia.
Side effects: disorders of the nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory and hematopoietic systems.
Price: 85 rubles (100 mg tablet, No. 20).

If you have a toothache, Paracetamol tablets are very effective. If dosages are observed, it is allowed for children from 3 years of age. Characteristics of the drug:

Ingredients: paracetamol.
Action: affects the centers of thermoregulation and pain, makes you feel better in 15-30 minutes. after reception.
Directions for use: children under 6 years old – ½ tablet. 200 mg every 6 hours. From 6 years – 1 tablet. with the same time interval.
Contraindications: severe renal/liver failure, anemia, leukopenia, enzyme deficiency, hypersensitivity reactions, congenital hyperbilirubinemia.
Side effects: signs of dyspepsia, abnormal blood counts, allergic reactions, urticaria, Quincke's edema.
Price: up to 100 rubles (table 200 mg, No. 20).

Syrups

Children are more happy to take children's toothache painkillers in the form of a sweet syrup. Among the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in this form of release is Nurofen. Brief description:

Ingredients: ibuprofen.
Action: relieves pain, removes inflammation, stabilizes body temperature.
Directions for use: orally from a special syringe. Children 3-6 months. – 2.5 ml 3 times/day, 6-12 months. – 2.5 ml 3-4 times/day, 1-3 years – 5 ml 3 times/day, 3-6 years – 7.5 ml 3 times/day, 7-9 years – 10 ml 3 times/day, 10-12 years – 15 ml 3 times/day. course of treatment – up to 3 days.
Contraindications: ulcers and erosions of the gastrointestinal tract, liver/renal failure, hypersensitivity reactions, blood diseases, bronchial asthma, urticaria, hyperkalemia, hearing loss.
Side effects: signs of dyspepsia, headache, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, disorders in the blood system, allergic reactions.
Price: 200 rubles (150 ml bottle).

An equally effective remedy for toothache for children is orange-flavored syrup (suspension) Ibuprofen. It is prescribed to children from the age of three months. Brief description:

Ingredients: ibuprofen.
Action: anesthetizes, relieves inflammation, acts within 20-30 minutes. after a single dose.
Directions for use: 3-6 months. – 2.5 ml 2 times/day, 6-12 months. – 2.5 ml 3-4 times/day, 1-3 years – 5 ml 3 times/day, 3-6 years – 7.5 ml 3 times/day, 6-9 years – 10 ml 3 times /day, from 9 years - 15 ml 3 times / day. No more than 3 days.
Contraindications: intolerance to components, renal failure, glucose-galactose malabsorption, bleeding tendency, intestinal inflammation, hyperkalemia, ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract.
Side effects: abdominal pain, signs of dyspepsia, dizziness, headaches, sleep disturbances, decreased platelets in the blood, hearing and vision impairment, allergic reactions.
Price: 150 rubles (100 ml bottle).

Dental gels, ointments and drops

The medicinal composition is applied to the sore spot. The analgesic effect is noticeable in the first minutes, but does not last long. Drops, gels and ointments provide temporary relief. Kamistad gel is in demand among mothers:

Ingredients: lidocaine hydrochloride, chamomile tincture.
Action: reduces pain, has a cooling effect.
Directions for use: Apply a thin layer to inflamed gums and teeth up to 3 times a day.
Contraindications: cardiac, hepatic, renal failure, age under 3 months, hypersensitivity reactions, bradycardia, arterial hypertension.
Price: 150 rubles (10 g tube).

Cholisal-gel also relieves pain. It acts locally and does not penetrate into the bloodstream. The drug is prescribed to children from 1 year of age. Brief description:

Ingredients: choline salicylate, cetalkonium chloride.
Action: kills germs, relieves inflammation, relieves pain.
Directions for use: lubricate the affected area with gel 2-3 times a day.
Contraindications: intolerance to components, up to 1 year.
Side effects: local, allergic reactions.
Price: 200 rubles (10 g tube).

Homeopathic remedies for toothache in children

These medications contain herbal ingredients that are non-toxic to children. They help with teething/changing teeth, but do not work in case of exacerbation of pulpitis or caries. Homeopathy will not provide emergency assistance for acute pain. Children over 3 years old are prescribed Traumeel-S ointment:

Ingredients: arnica, daisy, aconite, calendula, St. John's wort, witch hazel, echinacea, yarrow, comfrey, belladonna, chamomile, liver sulfur, Hahnemann's soluble mercury.
Action: relieves inflammation and pain, strengthens the immune system.
Directions for use: lubricate the area of pathology 2-3 times a day, but no more than 6 times.
Contraindications: tuberculosis, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome, liver/kidney dysfunction, individual intolerance to components.
Side effects: rarely – skin reactions.
Price: 500 rubles (50 g tube).

Dentinorm Baby. This teething pain reliever for children is effective upon first application (after 3-5 minutes). The herbal composition of the drops is suitable for children in the first year of life, there is no toxic effect. Brief description:

Ingredients: chamomile, rhubarb, Indian ivy extract.
Action: relieves pain, relieves inflammation, facilitates teething.
Directions for use: pour the contents of 1 container (1 ml) onto the site of pathology, then do not let the child drink or eat. Carry out the procedure 2-3 times/day.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components.
Side effects: none.
Price: 300 rubles (1 package, 10 sachets).

Viburkol suppositories have an analgesic effect. Description:

Ingredients: chamomile, pulsatilla pratensis, belladonna, calcium carbonicum hanemannii, plantago major, solanum dulcamara.
Action: sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect.
Directions for use: rectally, administer 1 suppository 2 times a day.
Contraindications: intolerance to active substances.
Side effects: allergic reactions.
Price: 380 rubles (12 pcs.).

How to soothe a toothache in a child using folk remedies

Some parents use folk recipes at home, citing their non-toxicity and gentle effect on the child’s body. Proven means:

Unsalted lard. Place a small piece on the sore spot. The unpleasant sensations gradually go away. Repeat the procedure if pain worsens.
A decoction of oak bark and chamomile. In a container, combine 1 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Keep on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Infuse, cool, strain. Let your child rinse his mouth with warm broth.
Aloe juice. Cut a fresh leaf in half. Apply the pulp to the inflamed gum and do not remove until the pain goes away.
Propolis. If you are not allergic to bee products, apply a soft piece of propolis to the sore gum and do not remove it until it becomes easier.
Rinse with thyme tincture. Pour 1 tbsp. l. raw materials 1 cup boiling water, cover with a lid. Cool and strain. Rinse your baby's mouth every 30 minutes. 5 times/day. Use sage herb in the same way.

Acupressure for toothache in a child

If you don't want to use toothache medications for children, try acupressure. This method does not help everyone, but has positive reviews. Action algorithm:

Turn your baby's hand over with the back side (palm) facing up.
Feel the point between your thumb and index finger.
Rub it vigorously until the skin turns red.
Carry out manipulations until the tooth stops hurting.

Video

In recent years, there has been a trend towards the prevalence and intensity of the development of caries in primary teeth, which is often found in children aged 2-3 years, but in some cases it can also occur in children under 2 years of age. The prevalence of caries by the age of 4 in different regions of the country is 20-80%. What do parents need to know to avoid such problems?

Causes of childhood caries

Caries is a disease of the hard tissues of the tooth, leading to the formation of first damage and then a cavity in it. As a rule, early damage to baby teeth by caries is associated with damage to tooth germs in the prenatal period. The formation of dental buds in the embryo begins in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, diseases of the expectant mother suffered during this period or taking medications can lead to disruption of the proper development of teeth in the fetus.

Problems with teeth after teething are caused by poor oral hygiene and poor eating habits. The latter, first of all, include long-term use of pacifiers. Children who take too long to transition from a bottle to drinking from a cup or sippy cup, and especially babies who fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth every night, are at high risk of developing so-called bottle tooth decay. With this type of disease, prolonged contact of liquid from a bottle (usually sweet) with teeth causes caries to affect all front teeth, and the process spreads around the circumference of the crown part of the tooth, that is, around the entire visible part of the tooth along the perimeter.

And of course, a child under 3 years old should not snack between meals, especially food containing a large amount of carbohydrates (chocolate, candy, etc.). As sweets, it is better to offer the child fruits, cookies, dried fruits, pastries, marmalade, and marshmallows.

You can eat sweets after breakfast or after dinner, and after that you can brush your teeth soon. After all, almost no child can grow up without sweets, only their consumption should be reasonable and limited.

The forbidden fruit is sweet...

In order not to tempt a child with the sight of “forbidden fruits,” you just need to not buy them or eat them yourself. Grandmother, other relatives and friends of your family, of course, bring sweets to the baby only with the best intentions. But you can talk to them and explain that you can bring your child a book, pictures, toy, etc. instead of candy.

Poor oral hygiene (or its complete absence) leads to the fact that the plaque remaining on the teeth after eating turns into so-called dental plaque, which contains bacteria that produce lactic acid. Acid, in turn, can cause damage to the enamel and affect the development of caries.

With the appearance of the first teeth, the child should have a toothbrush and toothpaste appropriate for his age. Early development of the habit of brushing your teeth 2 times a day (morning and evening after meals) will help avoid many problems.

Signs of caries in children, types of caries

Based on the depth of damage, caries of primary teeth is divided into several types.

Initial - white spots of various shapes and sizes appear on the enamel, there is no pain. If treatment is not carried out, the process progresses - the spots become dark, brown, black. With timely treatment, further development of caries can be stopped.

Superficial - the defect of the tooth tissue is located within the enamel. A carious cavity can be light or dark. Pain appears when exposed to sweet, sour, salty foods. The cavity needs to be filled.

Medium - the tooth enamel and part of the dentin (tissue inside the tooth) are affected. Pain can occur from sweet, salty, cold and hot foods. The cavity needs to be filled.

Deep - enamel and most of the dentin are affected. The treatment method depends on the condition of the pulp - filling or conservative treatment - the use of therapeutic pads in combination with delayed filling.

Children are characterized by multiple dental lesions (all 20 baby teeth may be affected). In addition, childhood is characterized by the occurrence of several carious cavities in one tooth. Also, in some children, due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the structure of their teeth, the layer of enamel and dentin turns out to be thinner, hard tissues have high permeability, and all this leads to the rapid spread of the carious process not only over the surface of the tooth, but also in depth. As a result, the process spreads to deeper tissues, pulpitis and periodontitis develop.

Be vigilant

If plaque forms on your child’s teeth, which you cannot remove on your own, and white or, conversely, brown spots appear, then there is an urgent need to show the child to a pediatric dentist.

A child’s complaints about discomfort from cold and hot food indicate that caries has already moved into the deeper layers of the tooth. Such complaints should alert parents and should not be ignored.

Sometimes a small child cannot clearly articulate what is bothering him, so refusing to eat or a particular type of food, chewing on one side, etc. can also be signs of tooth pain.

Complications of caries

Pulpitis is a disease in which the soft tissues of the tooth (pulp) become engulfed in an inflammatory process. The clinical picture of pulpitis can develop within a few hours. Usually, before this, the child presents minor complaints, then acute pain occurs, mainly at night, or pain from temperature stimuli. Such complaints indicate that, most likely, the carious cavity is so deep that it has penetrated to the pulp of the tooth. Immediate medical intervention is required.

If the tooth hurts repeatedly, there is swelling of the cheek or gums, there is a fistula (hole) with purulent discharge on the mucous membrane near the tooth, pain is observed when biting on the tooth, then this means that the pathological process has spread beyond the tooth and periodontitis– inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth. The doctor will choose tactics for the treatment of periodontitis individually, but, most likely, such a milk tooth cannot be cured and must be removed.

Methods for treating caries in children

At the very initial stage of caries development in children, the enamel silvering method can be used, in which a special solution containing silver ions is applied to the untreated carious cavity. As a rule, it is a temporary measure in the fight against caries. In addition, when using silver preparations, the tooth becomes permanently stained black, which looks unaesthetic.

The most traditional methods of treating caries in primary teeth include removing the affected tooth tissue using a drill under local anesthesia or without it. The decision on the need to use local anesthesia is made by the doctor individually in each case.

Sometimes no amount of persuasion helps, and the child does not hear the arguments of the doctor and parents about the need to “open his mouth” or “show him, treat his teeth.” As a rule, this problem is typical for children 3 years old or for children suffering from concomitant diseases. Then the question arises about dental treatment under general anesthesia.

It is always important to remember that treatment under general anesthesia is only one of the options that modern dentistry offers. This method must be used strictly according to indications and cannot be widespread.

A child should not be afraid of the dentist - after all, he will have to deal with this problem throughout his entire life. Much in the psychological mood depends on the parents and relatives of the child, who sometimes convey to him their fear of dentists. Try to explain to your child the need to visit the dentist and encourage him not to be afraid of this procedure.

There are various alternative methods of treating baby teeth, which are aimed at eliminating the most unpleasant moments, i.e. treatment of a carious cavity with a drill. These methods include a system that has been used for many years, including the treatment of a carious cavity using special hand tools and chemicals.

In recent years, dental units have appeared that process tooth tissue using a laser.

Unfortunately, none of the alternative methods currently used can 100% replace tooth processing using a drill and does not provide a lasting positive effect.

Prevention of caries in children

Caries can occur in children from a very early age, so preventive measures must be taken as soon as the first teeth appear.

You can prevent tooth decay by removing food debris and microbial plaque from your mouth using oral hygiene products. First of all, these include a toothbrush and toothpaste.

What to clean with?

Experts have different opinions about when to start brushing your teeth with toothpaste. The taste of the paste may seem unpleasant to the child, so it is better to start using the paste after the first year of life. The composition of the toothpaste must necessarily correspond to the age of the child - information about this is on the packaging. For a child under 3 years of age, the toothpaste should not contain fluoride. At this age, children swallow most of the toothpaste and do not know how to rinse their mouths. Fluoride is an active element, and ingesting large amounts of paste containing fluoride can cause serious consequences and requires immediate medical attention.

Starting from the age of 4, children are able to partially spit out the remaining toothpaste after brushing their teeth. This is why toothpastes for this age contain fluoride. The maturation process of tooth enamel is accelerated by regular use of hygiene products containing active fluoride, and it has been proven that the risk of dental caries is significantly reduced.

Toothbrushes for children are extremely diverse. For the very first teeth, finger brushes are suitable, with which the mother can easily and gently remove plaque from the baby’s teeth.

By the age of 2.5-3 years, you should gradually accustom your baby to brushing his teeth on his own by giving him a toothbrush in his hand.

The toothbrush should have soft bristles, corresponding in width to 2-3 teeth. It is recommended to change the brush monthly, because... loose stubble can damage your gums and is a source of bacteria.

The toothbrush should be individual and stored separately, with the bristles facing up, without a case. Before and after brushing your teeth, the brush should be thoroughly rinsed with running water.

Additional oral hygiene products

dental floss. Start using dental floss when all 20 baby teeth have erupted (usually at the age of 2-2.5 years). Floss should only be used if the teeth are very close to each other. This should be done with great care so as not to injure the gums.
dental elixirs (rinses) can become an additional hygiene product for children at high risk of caries. Special children's elixirs contain fluoride in the proportion that children need. It can be used after brushing your teeth twice a day or after eating foods containing large amounts of sugar.
chewing gum should be given to children no earlier than 3 years of age. Sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol, etc.) contained in them have a beneficial effect on tooth enamel, preventing the occurrence of caries. In addition, chewing gum causes increased salivation and promotes self-cleaning of the oral cavity. They can be used on all children, regardless of whether they have fillings in their mouth or not. The duration of chewing gum should be no more than 10-15 minutes.

How to clean?

Sometimes trying to brush your teeth can cause a negative reaction. Don't be upset about this. You need to be patient and... play. A child up to 3 years old, and even later, learns about the world through play. Therefore, you cannot insist on brushing your teeth, hoping that he understands how important it is. You just need to play. A battery-powered brush with a toy on the handle is also good for this game.

The movements made by the toothbrush should be different for different groups of teeth.

The front teeth are brushed with vertical unidirectional movements, away from the gums. Behind the cheeks - circular movements with teeth closed. The chewing surface of the teeth is cleaned with horizontal movements back and forth, from the inside (from the side of the tongue and palate) with upward sweeping movements, like a “broom”.

It is important not only what movements are performed, but also how much time is devoted to it. There are 2 ways to monitor whether your teeth are being brushed adequately:

the first is in terms of time (about 10 minutes to brush all teeth), for which you can use an hourglass or any other clock
the second - by the number of movements (5-6 movements for each area occupied by the bristles of the brush).

Proper nutrition

Prevention of dental diseases also includes a balanced diet, that is, a diet in which food contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the proper growth and formation of dental tissue.

For babies, this is, of course, breastfeeding. For older children - introduction into the diet of all necessary types of complementary foods recommended for this age.

Also, additional sources of fluoride can be fluoridated salt and water; their use does not require any special indications.

Main sources calcium are: fermented milk products, cheese, cottage cheese, potatoes, gooseberries, buckwheat, oats, peas, some types of mineral water.

First visit to the dentist

The need for a child’s first visit to the dentist usually arises for two reasons: a preventive examination for admission to a preschool institution or complaints that have arisen. In any case, the first visit to the dentist should not be postponed until the child is 4 years old.

You need to visit the dentist 2 times a year. If the carious process has already begun, then during this period it will not have time to spread deeply, the tooth will be preserved, and complications of caries (pulpitis, periodontitis) will not arise.

In addition, the sooner the dentist detects caries, the more painless and successful the treatment will be, and in some cases, in the initial stages of superficial caries, it will be possible to do without instrumental intervention by treating with mineralizing agents, applying medicinal solutions of fluoride and calcium to damaged areas of enamel.

The dentist carries out not only dental treatment, but also preventive measures aimed at keeping teeth and gums healthy:

professional oral hygiene (removes plaque)
treats teeth with fluoride and calcium preparations
teaches a small patient how to properly brush his teeth
if necessary, prescribes general treatment (taking vitamin and mineral supplements orally)
together with parents, adjusts the child’s diet and composition, identifies bad habits
carries out sealing of fissures (grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth) - a preventive measure aimed at preventing the occurrence of caries in permanent teeth).

The human body quite often "breaks". We catch colds, have problems with various organs, and get sick. No exception there are children here. People always at all times had problems with teeth.

However, nowadays, we have a huge amount of knowledge in the field biology, physiology And medicine which allows us to maintain dental health for a long time.

Scares all parents sudden appearance toothache in children. This fear is especially evident when there is no way to see a doctor right away, for example, when leaving the city, at sea, in a camp, traveling, and so on.

Causes of toothache in children and adolescents

The appearance of toothache can be caused by a huge range of reasons.

Without special medical dental education, it becomes difficult to identify them. difficult, and sometimes even impossible.

But some dental diseases there are characteristic features:

First reason applies to very young children. If the child salivation increases and he constantly holds fingers in mouth, then it is likely that he has teeth started cutting.
Next reason applies to older children. When does a child appear throbbing pain And strong sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, this may indicate about the appearance of caries. Externally, caries looks like blackening in certain areas tooth
Children's complaints about pain after dental treatment. It may feel like the filling is in the way, doesn't fit the size And it hurts while eating and drinking. Sensitivity after placing a filling - quite normal symptom, which does not cause complications.
When a child gums bleed when brushing your teeth and have swollen And flushed appearance, then this may be a consequence of gum inflammation - gingivitis. A common cause of these symptoms may also be periodontal disease, which is so often sick in adolescence.

Children may experience constant toothache, feeling that the tooth is in the way. Pain intensifies from cold and sweet foods and drinks. The reason for this, most often, is broken tooth, abscess or caries. The first reason can be found out based on from the external condition of the tooth.

Attention! Gum pain in younger children may occur when a baby tooth is embedded in the gums. It is especially worth paying attention to this when you can't find this tooth.

What to do if your child has a toothache

The best solution for toothache in children is visiting a dentist or pediatrician. However, this does not mean that you should sit idly by while your child complains about uncomfortable, and sometimes painful sensations.

There are some first aid methods to alleviate the child's condition.

When teeth come through

This is quite natural And normal biological process. If teething pain not accompanied additional symptoms, then special rubber rings and others cool safe items. When fever, loss of appetite and other unpleasant symptoms appear, you should visit a doctor urgently, otherwise it may lead to extremely negative consequences.

Common toothache

Toothache has several reasons based on which they are applied various first aid methods. You should not immediately stuff your child with a handful of medications. First of all, you need figure out the reason the appearance of pain and try to apply classic safe treatment methods. If this doesn't help, it's worth think about application tablets, ointments, drops and other drugs.

Strong night

If you suspect that your child may have pulpitis or caries and the pain occurred at night, then do the following. Rinse your child's mouth warm salt solution or soda (half a teaspoon soda or whole spoon salt on cup boiled, non-hot water). Also suitable sage decoction. Carry out rinsing every 2 or 3 hours. As a rule, this is enough. If the pain intensifies And doesn't stop, then the use of medications would be a completely adequate solution.

Photo 1. Aching toothache at night feels more painful than during the day; the child may sleep restlessly, pressing his palm to his cheek.

What medications can be given to children

If you don’t know what to do when your child has a toothache, and there is no opportunity to visit a doctor right now, then the primary task is to relief of the child's condition. It is worth mentioning that serious diseases and damage to teeth cannot be cured at home and maybe even dangerous. But reduce pain quite real and even necessary. Medications can help you with this. However, you need to know about specific allergic reactions child to individual components of drugs and medications.

Permitted painkillers

Quite often used as a pain reliever ibuprofen. This drug is most common in the form of Nurofen(suspensions). The prescription states that ibuprofen is approved for use already from 3 months. The effect becomes noticeable within 30 minutes.

A proven method is taking dental drops. This medicine is suitable for children older.

As a rule, they have analgesic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory effects. Among them are:

Dentinox;
Phytodent;
Stomagol.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy has proven its effectiveness back in ancient times. Among the drugs in this spectrum for children, experts recommend:

Nux moshata- great for children during cold weather. Rinsing with warm water Reduces pain quite quickly.
Arnica- will do for damaged teeth. No problem will stop the bleeding And throbbing pain in the gum area.
Pulsatilla- recommended for stabbing pain.
Mercurius- helps to cope with aching And jerking pain.

Homeopathic medicines are used effectively only if you know the characteristics of the body child and after consultation with a specialist. Otherwise, such treatment may have unpredictable And dangerous results.

Anti-inflammatory medications

From popular medications for investment toothache isolated paracetamol. The active substance of the drug has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic And analgesic effects, which persist for about 6 hours. Starts to act within half an hour.

Can a child be given Ketorol?

Ketorol- an effective pain reliever. The drug itself has many derivatives, such as dolac, toradol, keterolac and so on. Preparation not recommended take without the direction of your doctor.

Ketorol has a strong anti-inflammatory And antipyretic effects, it quickly relieves pain, including dental pain.

No way you can't stand the pain. But at the same time you shouldn’t take potent medications, if weaker and safer drugs will be enough.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines have been known since ancient times. The most famous the medicine of this group is ground turmeric. This popular spice is needed pre-fry in a frying pan, let cool and onwards apply to a sore tooth. This natural medicine relieves inflammation and pain. But with such means the body may react negatively. Therefore, it is extremely important to take into account individual reaction for certain products and substances.

Traditional medicine methods

Mint And clove oil- popular folk remedies for relief toothache.

If there is a hole in the tooth, then soak a piece of cotton wool clove (or mint) oil and apply to the damaged tooth. Soon the pain will stop. Often used propolis.