A dental abscess is a common condition that we see in young patients. Just like untreated cavities in baby teeth, a dental abscess can cause significant problems for your child if not addressed promptly.
This is definitely something we pediatric dentists take very seriously when we see it in our little patients!
What is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is a buildup of infected material (pus) at the tip of a tooth’s root, caused by a bacterial infection.
It usually appears as a pocket in the gum. You might notice a small bump or swelling on your child’s gums that looks red, feels tender, or even has a little pus coming from it.
Causes of Tooth Abscess
The most common causes of tooth abscess are tooth decay and a chipped or cracked tooth. When your tooth is damaged, it’s easy for bacteria to enter, especially if oral hygiene is poor.
Think about it this way: once bacteria find their way into the damaged tooth, your child’s body recognizes the invasion.
Their immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection, and in this battle, pus forms. This collection of pus eventually becomes what we call an abscess.
What’s concerning is that sometimes your child won’t experience pain, but an abscess can often cause severe tooth pain, sensitivity, and even fever.
Some kids might complain about pain that wakes them up at night or hurts when they’re eating or drinking.
How to Know if Your Child Has a Dental Abscess
Unless your child is complaining about tooth pain or sensitivity, you will need to check inside their mouth.
Kids can feel pain but choose not to tell you, either because they’re afraid of having to go to the dentist or because they don’t realize that what they’re feeling isn’t normal!
Signs to watch for include:
- Swelling on the gum or face
- Redness around a specific tooth
- A small bump on the gum that looks like a pimple
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Your child avoids chewing on one side of their mouth
Your dentist will also likely notice it during your child’s appointment. This is one of the many reasons regular check-ups are so important. We can often catch these issues before they become painful emergencies.
Treatment for Dental Abscess in Children
The treatment your child needs will depend on several factors, including the severity of the abscess, its underlying cause, your child’s age, and their overall dental and medical history. Your pediatric dentist will consider all these factors when deciding the best approach for your little one.
So if you notice your child has a tooth abscess, call your pediatric dentist right away. They’ll guide you on the next steps.
If your child has pain along with a fever, this is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate attention!
Your child’s dentist may take an X-ray to assess the affected tooth and pinpoint the source of the infection. Depending on what they find, they might prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
If it’s a baby tooth that’s causing the problem, they may need to pull it out to protect the permanent tooth that’s developing underneath.
In some cases, we can save the tooth with a procedure called a pulpotomy (often called a ‘baby root canal’), which removes the infected portion of the tooth while preserving the healthy part.
Other times, if the infection is severe, removing the tooth may be the best option to prevent the infection from spreading.
Since kids don’t always tell us when something hurts in their mouth, it’s best to keep up with your child’s regular dental visits to help us spot potential problems before they turn into painful situations for your child.
Many dental infections start small and can be treated easily if caught early. By the time there’s significant pain or swelling, the treatment often needs to be more involved.
Read more: Here’s What to Do If Your Child Has Dental Anxiety
If you think your child may have a dental abscess, call your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can potentially lead to facial swelling or risk of infection spreading throughout the body.
Ready to book your child’s next visit? Give our office a call today or fill out this online form to set up an appointment.
As your Lafayette-based pediatric dental team, we’re proud to serve families from Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, and surrounding communities.
Catching dental problems early not only saves your child from unnecessary pain but also helps prevent more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the road.