Toothache in Children Archives - Growing Smiles | Pediatric Dentistry in Richardson, Texas

Toothaches are a common problem for children. A toothache is usually a sign of a larger problem, like tooth decay, and can get worse quickly if not treated properly. If your child has a toothache, they should see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.

What causes toothache in a child?

A toothache often happens after an injury to the tooth. The most common form of injury to a tooth is from a cavity. This is a hole in a tooth.

A cavity is often the result of poor dental hygiene. Sugar and starch in foods allow bacteria in the mouth to damage the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and starch and make an acid that can eat through the teeth. This leads to tooth decay.

What are the symptoms of a toothache in a child?

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms of a toothache:

Constant, throbbing pain in a tooth
Pain in the tooth that gets worse when the tooth is touched
Pain in the tooth that gets worse with hot or cold foods or liquids
A sore, tender jaw around the tooth
Fever
Generally tired and feeling bad (malaise)

How is a toothache diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider can often diagnose a toothache with a complete health history and exam of your child. He or she will likely refer your child to a dentist for evaluation and care.

At the dentist, your child may have X-rays done. An X-ray makes images of internal tissues, bones, and teeth. The dentist may also check for cavities using a device called a transilluminator. It uses no radiation.

The symptoms of a toothache may seem like other health or dental problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider or dentist for a diagnosis.

4 Step Approach to Dental Pain Relief

Floss. Help your child floss to remove any food particles that may be wedged between the teeth and could be causing pain.
Rinse with warm saltwater. Use a warm salt-water solution and have your child rinse well by swishing or holding the salt water over the painful area.
Use a cold compress. This can relieve pain and swelling. If there is no swelling, you can try it anyway to subdue the pain. Try it on for about 15 minutes, then off for 20.
Give the child ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Use the appropriate dosage for your child’s age and administer it regularly as directed.

If your child is experiencing throbbing pain, fatigue, or fever, you should call your pediatrician as soon as possible. If your child is experiencing mouth pain accompanied by trouble breathing or swallowing, it can indicate a more serious situation and you should take your son or daughter to the emergency room.

Most mouth pain in children can be remedied with the simple steps here. The important thing is that you remain calm, no matter what. Your child is taking cues from you and if you panic, he or she will panic.

How is a toothache treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include:

Antibiotics
Pain medicine
Warm salt water rinses for the mouth
Tooth removal
Draining a pus-filled infection (abscess), if needed
A simple filling, if needed
Surgery to remove the inflamed pulp from the middle of the tooth (root canal)

If the infection is severe, your child may be treated in a hospital. He or she may need antibiotics through an IV (intravenous) tube.

How can I help prevent a toothache in my child?

Good oral habits can prevent cavities, the leading reason for a toothache. Make sure your child:

Brushes his or her teeth twice a day
Flosses daily
Sees the dentist regularly. The dentist can find and treat cavities early before they cause damage to the pulp. He or she can also give treatments to stop cavities from happening.
Eats healthy foods, limiting those high in sugar and starch

Key points about a toothache in children

A toothache is when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed and infected.
Most toothaches are caused by cavities.
Besides pain, a toothache may cause fever and a general feeling of tiredness (malaise).
X-rays can diagnose problems within the tooth.
Treatment may include antibiotics, pain medicine, a filling, or removal of the tooth.
Toothaches can be prevented with good oral care.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want to be answered.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also, write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also, know what the side effects are.
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Resources:

mykoolsmiles.com

urmc.rochester.edu

greenhillsdentalkc.com

We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. Growing Smiles is a pediatric dentist in Anna, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Murphy we have Pediatric Services in Texas: Early Childhood Care, Preventive Care, General Treatments, Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Emergency Service and Orthodontic (Braces & Invisalign) For more information call us to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.