If your child has a toothache, you want to get relief for them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, you can't always get to the dentist quickly, especially when the pain sets in during the middle of the night or on the weekend. Here is some information that will help you alleviate their discomfort:

Reach for the Salt Water

If your child is complaining of a toothache, the first thing you should do is reach for the salt water. Rinsing with salt water will help reduce the inflammation, which will help alleviate some of the pain. Fill a small cup with warm water and add about a teaspoon of salt. Mix the solution well and have your child swish the water around in their mouth. Make sure your child is old enough to swish and spit, rather than swish and swallow. If your child is too young to swish and spit, use warm compresses instead. Soak washcloths in warm water and apply them to the painful side of your child's face.

Stick With Liquid Pain Reliever

If you're going to use an over-the-counter pain reliever for your child, and they're not old enough to swallow pills, be sure to stick with liquid. Chewable pain relievers can be uncomfortable for your child to chew when they're dealing with a toothache.

Never Put Aspirin on Gums

If your child is suffering from a severe toothache, you may be tempted to crush aspirin and place it on their gums. Unfortunately, that's one of the worst things you can do for your child's toothache. First, it won't alleviate the discomfort. Second, if the aspirin is left on the gums for too long it can cause serious damage to the delicate tissue. Instead of using crushed aspirin to alleviate the discomfort of a toothache, use anesthetic toothache gel. This type of pain-relieving gel is available in most pharmacies and the dental hygiene department of your favorite grocery store.

Get to the Dentist As Soon as Possible

If your child has a severe toothache, or one that is accompanied by a fever or abscess, you'll need to seek emergency dental care for them as soon as possible. Tooth pain combined with a fever and abscess could be a sign of a dental infection. If it's after hours, contact your child's pediatric dentist for further instructions.

When it comes to your child and toothaches, you need to alleviate the pain quickly. Use the tips provided here to get quick relief for your child.