An unexpected toothache may ruin a child’s day and leave parents feeling powerless. While it’s tempting to try home remedies, remember that they only worsen the problem. A toothache is a serious dental issue that requires expert attention. So, the first thing you should do when your child complains about a toothache is to take them to a dentist.
Causes of Toothache in Children
The following are some of the typical causes of toothache in children:
Cavity
The most common cause of toothaches in children is tooth decay. Cavities that pierce the tooth’s enamel reveal the tooth’s delicate inner layers, which cause excruciating pain while eating or drinking. Sweets or temperature fluctuations frequently make the pain worse, which indicates that immediate dental care is required.
Injured or Loose Teeth
Even though they are a natural part of growth, wobbly newborn teeth can be uncomfortable for a short time. Pain from dental trauma, whether from accidents, sports injuries, or falls, is more worrisome and may need to be evaluated by a dentist to avoid problems with the emergence of permanent teeth.
Gum Inflammation
In children, gingivitis or retained food particles are frequently the cause of swollen, sensitive gums. While popcorn hulls or other debris lodged beneath gums might cause localized tenderness that resembles a toothache, poor brushing habits allow plaque to accumulate along the gum line.
Dental Abscess
A tooth infection may manifest as a little pus-filled lump on the gums, fever, facial swelling, or intense, ongoing discomfort. This is a dental emergency that has to be treated right away to stop the infection from getting worse.
Teething Pain
New teeth sprouting through delicate gum tissue in newborns and toddlers result in predictable episodes of discomfort and irritation. While this temporary discomfort differs from true toothaches, it can be equally distressing for both the child and the parents.
How Do Dentists Treat Pediatric Toothaches?
Here’s how dentists treat different types of toothaches in children:
Treatment for Cavities
Dentists use composite resin to seal the tooth after extracting the damaged area in order to perform fillings for mild decay. Pulp treatment, which is similar to a child-friendly root canal, maintains the tooth while removing diseased tissue if decay approaches the nerve.
Treatment for Infections
Antibiotics are prescribed by dentists to treat bacterial infections that result in fever or swelling. Before administering final therapy for abscesses, they could first drain the fluid in an effort to preserve the tooth.
Treatment for Loose Teeth
Dentists use gentle extractions when a baby tooth is uncomfortable and won’t fall out on its own. This relieves discomfort and makes room for a healthy permanent tooth eruption.
Treatment for Dental Trauma
Dentists use splints to support teeth while they recover or bonding materials to fix broken or partially dislodged teeth. Long-term results are improved by prompt therapy.
Ending Note!
Even though children frequently get toothaches, you should never ignore them. Early dental care helps avoid problems like infections or early tooth loss. Even if the discomfort goes away quickly, call your dentist if your child complains about it.
If you have further queries about your child’s dental health, consult our team at Flourish Pediatric Dentistry. Call us at (281) 394-2520 to book your appointment.