Toothaches can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe. When children complain about a toothache, it’s important to find out what is causing it and get dental care for it. Keep in mind that it can be more difficult to get to a dentist right away during this time of year due to the holidays, especially if you’re traveling. Use the following tips to help you handle your child’s toothache until you can see a dentist for proper care. 

Common Causes of Toothaches in Children

Children can end up with toothaches for different reasons. Some common causes of toothaches in children include the following:

• Decay. One of the most common causes of toothaches is tooth decay. When teeth decay, the nerves inside the tooth are more exposed. 
• Gum problems. Gum inflammation or disease can lead to tooth pain if it is left untreated. When gum disease gets worse, it can weaken teeth.
• Abscesses. Tooth abscesses occur when a tooth root is infected. This can happen if children have severe tooth decay that is left untreated. 
• Teeth grinding. Clenching teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause them to become worn down over time, which can lead to pain.
• Cracked tooth syndrome. This dental problem can occur as a result of teeth grinding, injuries or problems with your child’s bite. 

How to Handle a Toothache Complaint

If your child has a toothache, keep in mind that it usually is not considered a dental emergency that requires immediate care. However, you should get your child to a dentist to determine what is causing this pain, so that it can be treated. Your child should get emergency care if a toothache is severe, especially if other symptoms are present, such as a fever, since this can indicate an infection. For mild toothaches with no other symptoms, you should do the following:

• Ask for details about the pain. Ask your child which tooth hurts, where it hurts and when the pain started. You should also find out if the pain is constant or if it comes and goes.
• Check for injuries. Look for cracks, chips and other injuries to your child’s teeth. In some cases, damage from injuries can occur inside the tooth rather than on the outside.
• Check for oral health problems. Look for dark spots that could indicate tooth decay, and check your child’s gums for redness and swelling.
• Ease toothache pain. You can relieve swelling by putting an ice pack on your child’s jaw in the affected area. For pain, give your child the appropriate dosage of over-the-counter children’s medicine that your pediatrician or pediatric dentist recommends. Make sure that you schedule a dental appointment for your child.

If your child is due for a checkup, please contact Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to set up an appointment.