We’ve all been there. Your child comes to you holding their cheek, looking uncomfortable, and telling you their tooth hurts.
When that happens, it’s easy to panic. Is it something serious? Do you need to call the dentist right away, or can it wait until morning?
Toothaches in kids are pretty common. Most children will deal with some kind of dental pain at some point, but not every toothache means an emergency visit to the dentist. Some situations can wait, but others definitely shouldn’t.
In this post, we’ll go over when a toothache might be minor and when it’s a sign that it’s time to see the dentist
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
Cavities
Cavities are the most common cause of tooth pain. When bacteria eat away at the enamel, they leave behind little holes in the tooth. Once a cavity gets deep enough, it can lead to some pretty serious pain.
Gum Issues and Injuries
Gum problems are another big one. Kids often irritate their gums by brushing too hard, putting random things in their mouths, or bumping their mouths while playing. Aphthous ulcers are another common irritant. All of that can leave gums sore and sensitive.
Read more: 5 Early Signs of Gum Disease Parents in Acadiana Shouldn’t Ignore
Food Particles
Sometimes the culprit is just food stuck between teeth. Something as small as a popcorn kernel can feel miserable.
Teeth Grinding
A lot of kids grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it. Over time, that grinding can wear teeth down, cause sensitivity, and even lead to toothaches and jaw pain during the day.
Read more: Does Your Child Grind Their Teeth at Night?
Physical Damage
And then there are the more obvious issues like a broken or chipped tooth. Kids are active, accidents happen, and sometimes teeth take the brunt of a fall or collision.
When a Toothache Might Not Be Serious
Not every toothache means you need to call the dentist right away. Some types of tooth pain are pretty common and tend to go away on their own.
After Eating Hard Foods
If the pain shows up right after biting into something hard, like an apple or corn on the cob, it could just be temporary irritation.
Cold or Sweet Food Reactions
A quick zap of pain after eating something cold or sweet usually points to sensitivity, but can be caused by a cavity. It’s worth getting checked out by your dentist to be sure it’s just normal tooth sensitivity, but it’s usually not an emergency.
Loose Baby Teeth
It’s very common for loose baby teeth to be painful upon eating or biting or brushing. As it starts to detach from the oral cavity and the permanent tooth underneath pushes forward, the cushioning normally provided by the gum tissue between baby and permanent teeth is lost. So it can feel like “biting on a stone.”
Additionally, the pressure of the permanent tooth coming in, especially if your child has crowding, can contribute to the discomfort.
Certainly wiggle on the baby tooth to help get it out faster, or take some pain relievers to help until it falls out, but that kind of pain is normal.
The important thing to remember is that this type of pain should be short-lived. If it lingers or starts getting worse, that’s a sign it may be something more serious.
Read more: Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Baby Tooth Or Let It Fall Out Naturally?
Warning Signs That Mean a Dentist Visit is Needed
Some symptoms are pretty clear signs that it’s time to call the dentist, and the sooner, the better.
Ongoing Pain
Persistent or worsening pain is a major red flag. If your child has a toothache that’s consistently getting worse instead of better, it’s time to make that call.
Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling in the face or gums usually means there’s an infection, and those can spread if they’re not treated quickly. That’s definitely not something you want to wait out.
Fever
If your child has a fever along with the tooth pain, that’s another strong indicator of infection. Their body is trying to fight off bacteria, and dental infections can become serious if they’re left untreated.
Sleep Disruption
Pain that keeps your child awake at night usually means it’s more than just minor discomfort. Kids can often sleep through mild pain, so if it’s bad enough to wake them up, it needs attention.
Visible Damage
Visible holes, discoloration, or broken teeth are obvious signs that it’s time to see a dentist. If you can actually see a cavity, notice brown or black spots, or if a tooth is chipped or cracked, don’t wait to get it checked.
Bad Breath
Bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing could mean there’s an infection starting somewhere in the mouth. It’s an easy symptom to miss, but it can be a sign that something more serious is going on.
Read more: What to Do If Your Child Has Bad Breath
What You Can Do at Home Before Seeing Your Child’s Dentist
There are a few things you can try at home to help ease your child’s discomfort before getting to the dentist. Just keep in mind that this is for general guidance, and your dentist might suggest something different based on your child’s specific situation.
Gentle Cleaning
If you think there might be food stuck between your child’s teeth, gentle flossing can help. Just be extra careful not to force it or irritate the gums any more than they already are.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers made for children, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, can help take the edge off. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions based on your child’s age and weight. This can help keep them comfortable temporarily, but don’t use it as a substitute for getting professional care.
In cases of infection, antibiotics may be indicated and your dentist may be able to call that in after speaking with you to assess your child’s symptoms and appearance.
Cold Therapy
A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area a bit. Wrap some ice in a cloth and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Certain Foods
Until you can get to the dentist, try to keep your child away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods. These can make the pain worse or irritate whatever issue is going on.
Conclusion
Not every toothache is an emergency. Some minor discomfort can go away on its own or with simple home care.
But if the pain sticks around, there are signs of infection, or you can see visible damage, it’s time to get in touch with your child’s dentist.
We’d much rather see a child for something that turns out to be minor than miss something that could become a bigger problem.
The best way to avoid toothaches in the first place is to stay ahead of them. That means building strong oral hygiene habits and keeping up with regular dental checkups.
Routine visits let us catch cavities early, spot bite issues before they cause trouble, and help both kids and parents keep teeth healthy at home.
If you’re in Lafayette or the greater Acadiana area and looking for a pediatric dental home, look no further.
Our pediatric dental specialists work with kids of all ages and strive to make visits comfortable and stress-free. We provide preventive care, restorative treatments, and specialized services tailored to children.
Reach out to our Lafayette pediatric dental office today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Your child’s dental health matters, and we’re committed to supporting healthy teeth throughout their growing years.