What Are 3 Things I Should Know When My Child Has A Toothache?
1. There Are Signs You Can Look Out For In Little Ones Who Don’t Speak
2. There Are A Number Of Possible Causes
3. It Is Best To Call Your Dentist Right Away
What Are Signs I Can Look For If My Child Can’t Tell Me About Their Toothache?
If your baby or toddler is not yet at the talking stage, you might be concerned if you notice changes in their behavior. It’s important for you to stay aware, especially if your child is too young to communicate any discomfort or a problem to you. Here are some things you can look out for that may be an indication of a toothache.
- If your child wakes constantly, can’t seem to stay asleep, or can’t get restful sleep, it could be a sign that a toothache is bothering them.
- If your child is eating less, that could be an indicator that something is wrong with a tooth. When a child has a toothache, their teeth could feel much more sensitive to liquids and hot and cold food. Check your child’s teeth and gums for any sign of discoloration if you find that they cry or refuse even their favorite foods.
- Your child may resort to rubbing their face if they are experiencing tooth pain, especially if they rub at their ears and jawline. Check to see if any food is stuck or lodged in between your child’s teeth that could be causing the discomfort.
- You might notice your child chewing constantly when new teeth are coming in. If your child is drooling and chewing on toys, wipe their face with a soft cloth and make sure they have safe and appropriate teething toys. While teething can be uncomfortable for some children, a fever is never a symptom of teething. Contact your child’s dentist or pediatrician if you find that your child has a fever.
What Are Potential Causes For My Child’s Toothache?
If you’ve ruled out teething as a cause for your child’s teeth pain, there could be a number of other causes:
- Pain from a habit of teeth grinding or chewing on one’s gums.
- Tooth decay, or a cavity. It’s difficult for children to maintain thorough, regular dental hygiene on their own, so supervise their daily brushing and flossing routine and help them if necessary. These preventative measures are especially important if your child likes to enjoy sugary drinks and snacks.
- Gum infection. This is a bacterial infection of the gums that can also be avoided with regular brushing and flossing.
- Fractured tooth, possibly from an injury or accident.
- Damaged filling. If your child’s tooth filling gets damaged, it’s important to get the filling replaced.
- An infected tooth. In the event of an abscess, a pocket of pus can form. Signs of an abscess include bad breath, pain, and fever. It’s especially important to seek dental care as soon as possible.
What Are Signs I Should Call The Dentist Right Away?
Dental issues can get more serious if they are untreated. If your child is experiencing toothache symptoms such as a fever, headache, swelling in the gums around the tooth, and drainage from the tooth that tastes bad, it’s important to call your dentist and get an expert’s help as soon as possible.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain and needs professional care and input, look no further than the pediatric dental experts at All Kids Dental in Suffolk, VA. All Kids is proud to offer the very best dental care for your children in Suffolk and the surrounding Virginia neighborhoods. Call and schedule a visit with Dr. Joe and Dr. Brett today at 757-922-8110.
