What anti-inflammatory medicine should children take if they have toothache?
Toothache in children is a common problem faced by parents and may be caused by tooth decay, gingivitis, or other oral problems. When treating toothache, anti-inflammatories can relieve inflammation and pain, but care needs to be taken in choosing medications that are suitable for children. Below is a detailed guide to anti-inflammatory medications for pediatric toothaches, combined with recent hot topics and medical advice.
1. Common causes of toothache in children

There are many causes of toothache, common ones include:
| Reason | Symptoms | Treatment that may be needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dental caries (tooth decay) | Teeth become black, painful and sensitive | Dental fillings, anti-inflammatories |
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen and bleeding gums | Oral hygiene, anti-inflammatories |
| periodontal abscess | Swelling and severe pain in the gums | Antibiotics, dental treatment |
| tooth eruption | Red and slightly sore gums | Cold compress, painkillers |
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs available for children with toothache
Special attention should be paid to safety when using medicines for children. The following are common anti-inflammatory drugs and their applicable situations:
| Drug name | Applicable age | Dosage recommendations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (such as Motrin) | More than 6 months | Calculated based on body weight, usually 5-10mg/kg | It should not be taken on an empty stomach as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. |
| Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) | more than 3 months | 10-15mg/kg | Avoid overdose, which may damage the liver |
| Amoxicillin (antibiotic) | Use under the guidance of a doctor | As directed | For bacterial infections only, treatment needs to be completed |
| Cephalosporin antibiotics | Use under the guidance of a doctor | As directed | Not suitable for those with allergies |
3. Things parents need to pay attention to
1.Avoid self-medication:Anti-inflammatory drugs, especially antibiotics, require medical guidance and should not be used casually.
2.Prioritize local care:Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or apply cold compresses to relieve pain and reduce drug dependence.
3.Watch for side effects:If adverse reactions such as rash or vomiting occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice.
4.Prevention is better than cure:Teach your children the habit of brushing their teeth and check their teeth regularly.
4. Recent hot topics: Children’s medication safety
Recently, the topic of drug safety in children has attracted much attention. Experts remind:
| Hot content | Key recommendations |
|---|---|
| The dangers of overuse of antibiotics | Avoid over-the-counter use to prevent drug resistance |
| Safety of Chinese Patent Medicines | Some Chinese patent medicines contain Western medicine ingredients, please be careful |
| Choice of antipyretics | Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safer |
5. Summary
When children have toothache, anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve symptoms, but the appropriate drug needs to be selected according to age and condition. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly used safe options, while antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor. Parents should pay attention to oral care to reduce the occurrence of toothache. The recent heated discussion about the safety of medication in children also reminds us that scientific medication use is crucial.
If your child's toothache persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
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