If an adult has a toothache, they will wait a few days to see whether the pain subsides and if it doesn’t, they will seek the advice of a dentist. Unfortunately, when children experience a toothache, they do not know that they need to seek treatment from a pediatric dentist and they are not always able to vocalize the cause of the pain.
A toothache is caused by erosion or decay, which eventually reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The incredibly sensitive nerves and blood vessels inside are then exposed, and this leads to excessive pain. If you notice that your child is in a lot of pain and they complain of a toothache, it is important that you know how to respond and when you should seek the help of a pediatric dentist.
Understanding the common causes of toothache can help you to avoid them and keep your child’s teeth healthy. In many cases, children experience toothache as a result of their diet. If your child eats lots of sugary candy or drinks lots of soda, they are far more likely to experience a toothache.
A sharp pain in the tooth or around the gums can sometimes be caused by something stuck between the teeth rather than decay of the tooth itself. Your child may also have broken or chipped their tooth, revealing sensitive nerves and blood vessels in the pulp chamber.
If the pain is around the gums and you notice that they are red and swollen, this can be a sign of infection. However, in some cases, your child may be brushing too hard and that is the cause of their painful gums.
In younger children, pain may be caused by new teeth that are just starting to grow. If you are concerned about the level of pain and you think it is abnormal, seek advice from a pediatric dentist.
In some cases, simple home remedies may help to relieve the pain caused by a toothache. First, check for anything lodged between the teeth and remove it, and make sure that your child is not brushing too hard.
Using a mixture of lukewarm water and a teaspoon of salt can help to relieve some of the tenderness. Simply have them rinse their mouth out with this mixture when they feel pain. Using an ice pack on the side of the face can also offer some relief.
However, it is important to remember that these simple remedies will only help to manage the pain, they will not deal with the root cause of the toothache.
If the pain subsides after a few hours, you should keep an eye on your child to see whether it comes back. It may just be caused by something lodged between the teeth, and that won’t require medical attention.
However, if the pain does not subside, or you notice that your child has a chipped or broken tooth, you need to schedule an appointment right away so we can provide treatment. Our team will be able to diagnose and treat the root cause of toothaches, so your child is no longer in pain, so don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment right away.
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
