No parent has an easy time watching their child suffer. When your child has a toothache, you may feel powerless to help them. Tooth pain can interfere with necessary daily actions, like eating and speaking. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this situation. Here are four things you should do when your child comes down with a toothache:

1. Make an appointment with your child's dentist immediately.

The first thing you should do is call your child's dentist to schedule an appointment. Tooth pain won't go away on its own because unlike other parts of the human body, tooth enamel cannot regrow or repair itself. When you speak to your child's dentist, make sure to make the reason for the appointment clear over the phone. Dentists usually try to schedule patients suffering from tooth pain sooner than those who are simply making an appointment for routine cleaning.

2. Give your child over-the-counter pain medication.

Oral pain medication is highly effective at reducing the discomfort that comes from minor aches and pains. It can even relieve the agony of a toothache. Give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help them feel better until their dentist appointment. Check the label on the medication to find out what amount of medicine is appropriate for a person of your child's age and weight. If your child is very young, you can find liquid forms of common painkillers in lower dosages, created for young children.

3. Temporarily switch to sensitive teeth toothpaste.

You can find toothpaste created for sensitive teeth in the tooth care aisle of most stores. These toothpastes contain a chemical that reduces the sensitivity of nerve ending located inside teeth. By switching your child's normal toothpaste for sensitive teeth toothpaste, you can temporarily reduce the sensitivity of their teeth, which can lead to reduced pain. Before making this switch, ensure that your child practices a proper brushing technique and spits toothpaste into the sink instead of swallowing it.

4. Offer soft foods.

When your child has a toothache, eating hard or crunchy foods can be painful. Until they can get to the dentist, you may want to change their diet slightly. Offer soft foods that are easy to eat so they can still get their required nutrients without suffering through mealtimes. Bananas, apples, and smoothies are all fruit-based foods that are soft and easy to eat. Mashed potatoes and pasta are good savory options you can offer at dinnertime.