Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Toothache (for Teenagers)
DESCRIPTION
You have a painful tooth. Sometimes it is just a
temporarily sensitive tooth, but usually it means decay or a
cavity is present. One complication of a decaying tooth is
a gum boil just below the gum line. The infection in the
tooth may also spread to the face (giving a swollen cheek)
or to the lymph node just under the jawbone.
HOME CARE
- Flossing
First use dental floss on either side of the painful
tooth. The removal of a jammed piece of food may bring
quick relief.
- Pain relief medicine
First treat your toothache with acetaminophen or
ibuprofen. If the pain lasts more than a day or becomes
severe, call your dentist. An ice cube on the tooth or
ice pack on the jaw for 20 minutes will also help.
- Oil of cloves for severe toothache
If you cannot see a dentist for several days and an open
cavity is visible, clean all food out of the cavity with
a toothpick, Water-Pik, or water in a syringe. Put in a
few drops of oil of cloves (80% eugenol). You won't
need a prescription to get oil of cloves. If the cavity
is large, pack it with a small piece of cotton soaked
with oil of cloves. Try to keep the oil of cloves off
the tongue because it stings. The cavity can also be
temporarily sealed with melted candle wax. Just rub it
in with your fingertip.
- Prevention
Brush your teeth, especially the back molars, after
every meal. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.
CALL YOUR DENTIST IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The pain is very severe.
- You have a fever (over 100 degrees F, or 37.8 degrees C).
- Your face is swollen.
- You are feeling very sick.
CALL YOUR DENTIST DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- You have had the pain for more than a day.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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