What Helps a Child's Toothache | Derya Dental Clinic

Why Do Children Get Toothache?

Decay in the primary teeth — the most frequent cause
Teething — in babies and when the 6-year molars erupt
Dental abscess — infection caused by advanced decay
Trauma — a broken or knocked tooth after a fall or bump
Loose teeth — pain as a primary tooth is shed
Gum inflammation — from inadequate brushing
Food impaction — trapped food between the teeth

What Helps a Child's Toothache?

At Home

Medicines (age-appropriate dose):

Medicine	Age	Dose	Frequency
Paracetamol syrup	3 months+	By weight (see leaflet)	Every 4–6 hours
Ibuprofen syrup	6 months+	By weight (see leaflet)	Every 6–8 hours

💡 Important: Aspirin must never be given to a child under 16 (risk of Reye's syndrome).

Home measures:

Salt-water rinse (age 4+): 1 cup of warm water with ½ teaspoon of salt — rinse and spit (don't swallow)
Cold compress: Apply to the outside of the cheek for 10–15 minutes
Clove oil (age 6+): Dabbed onto the painful area with a cotton bud — use sparingly
Cold food: Ice cream or cold yogurt can give temporary relief
Soft diet: Avoid hard and hot foods
Floss: If food is trapped, gently remove it

What Not to Do

Never rub painkillers onto the tooth or gum
Never give aspirin
Avoid very hot or very cold foods
Don't let your child poke the tooth
Never give antibiotics without a prescription

When to Seek Urgent Dental Care

Facial swelling — an abscess may be spreading
Fever (above 38 °C)
Severe pain that does not respond to painkillers
A broken or displaced tooth after trauma
Pus discharging from the gum
Pain lasting more than 2 days

In an emergency: Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic offers same-day emergency appointments.

Causes of Tooth Pain by Age

Age	Common Causes	Treatment
0–1 year	Teething	Chilled teething ring, paracetamol
1–3 years	Bottle decay, teething	Filling, fluoride
3–6 years	Decay, trauma	Filling, pulpotomy
6–12 years	Decay, 6-year molar pain, loose teeth	Filling, dental sealants

12-Year Molar Pain

Around the age of 12, the second permanent molars (the 12-year molars) come through:

Gum pain and swelling are normal
A cold compress and painkillers manage the pain
As soon as the tooth is fully through, arrange dental sealants
Pain lasting more than 2 weeks should be reviewed by a dentist

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on pediatric oral health care. Pediatr Dent. 2018;40(6):213–225. aapd.org
Tinanoff N, Baez RJ, Diaz Guillory C, et al. Early childhood caries epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, societal burden, management, education, and policy: Global perspective. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2019;29(3):238–248. PubMed
Selwitz RH, Ismail AI, Pitts NB. Dental caries. Lancet. 2007;369(9555):51–59. PubMed

Is your child in pain? Same-day paediatric appointments at Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.

Common Questions

What helps a child's toothache?

An age-appropriate dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup is the most effective. A salt-water rinse (age 4+), a cold compress to the cheek and a soft diet all help as well. See a dentist if the pain lasts more than 2 days.

Which syrup can I give my child for toothache?

Paracetamol syrup (Calpol, Tylol) from 3 months of age; ibuprofen syrup (Nurofen for Children) from 6 months — always at the weight-appropriate dose. Aspirin must never be given.

My child's tooth is hurting at night — what should I do?

Give an age-appropriate dose of painkiller, raise the pillow slightly and apply a cold compress. If the pain does not settle, or there is swelling, don't wait until morning — see an emergency dentist.

Why does a child's tooth pain get worse at night?

Lying flat increases blood flow to the head and raises pressure inside the tooth. Daytime distractions are also gone, so the pain feels more intense.

My 6-year-old has pain in a molar — is that normal?

The first permanent molars come through at around 6 years, so gum pain and mild swelling are normal. If the pain is coming from decay, it needs treatment. A check-up is recommended. ---