What should I do if a 6-year-old child has a toothache and cries loudly at night?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Last night, my child had a toothache and started crying uncontrollably. I would like to know what I should do in this situation?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When a 6-year-old child cries at night due to toothache, parents can take the following measures to relieve symptoms: 1. Emergency care: Rinsing the mouth with saline solution may help. Salt water has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help remove food debris from the mouth, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Additionally, cold compresses are effective—applying a cold pack or cold towel to the affected area can help reduce and absorb inflammation. 2. Medication: If the pain persists, pain relievers such as ibuprofen capsules or acetaminophen may be used under a doctor's guidance. These medications have analgesic effects and can quickly alleviate the child's toothache. 3. Seek professional help: The above methods are only temporary relief measures. To completely resolve the toothache, parents should take the child to the hospital's dental department for a thorough examination. Most cases of toothache in children are caused by dental caries; after diagnosis, treatments such as fillings or root canal therapy may be required.