Is there anything worse than having an unbearable toothache? Perhaps just one thing: your child having tooth pain! As a parent, you worry about them and must deal with finding a way to relieve their discomfort. In this situation, you may wonder what could be causing their toothache and what you should do. Get the information you need to take care of their needs here!
Causes of Tooth Pain for Kids
If your child complains about a toothache, it could point to any of the following causes.
Tooth Decay
The most common reason behind dental pain is decay. With acids from plaque, foods, and drinks, tooth enamel erodes, damaging the protective structure. The deeper the decay reaches, the more sensitive the tissue is, which means that your child’s tooth may be hurting because the decay has reached these more vulnerable layers.
Cracked Tooth
Even when you tell them not to, kids can bite down on hard foods like popcorn kernels, jawbreakers, suckers, and the like. Unfortunately, their tooth enamel may not be strong enough to withstand this force and may crack, allowing bacteria access to deeper layers of the tooth. When your child eats or drinks something cold or hot, it can trigger a sensitive or painful response as a result.
Dental Abscess
Sometimes, tooth pain is accompanied by a pimple-looking bump in the gums. This is called an abscess or a pocket of pus that is located at the base of the tooth’s root. This issue must be treated as soon as possible.
Stuck Food
Whether your child has some adult teeth or a mouthful of baby teeth, bits of food can become wedged between, creating pressure and discomfort. Most of the time, flossing can dislodge the stuck debris, but if it doesn’t, you may need professional help.
What to Do about Tooth Pain
To manage discomfort, you can give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed and put a cold compress on their mouth. If your child’s tooth pain lasts longer than a day or two, it’s time to contact your pediatric dentist, especially if you see a noticeable crack, abscess, or black or brown spot on the aching tooth. Do not delay getting your child examined and treated because the issue will only get worse and could lead to additional harm.
Just as you would hate to experience a toothache, you don’t want your child to suffer needlessly. Understanding what could be wrong and acting quickly will get your child out of pain sooner, which will help both of you get back to living your best life.
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage, who are board-certified pediatric dentists, welcome young patients who have dental emergencies like toothaches. Our team does everything possible to make everyone comfortable and to relieve pain efficiently. We also encourage healthy preventive habits and can help teach children how to care for their smiles. If you have a dental emergency, contact our McKinney office online or call 469-813-7127.