What Should I Do if My Child Has a Toothache?

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies experienced by both young and old. If you or your child is experiencing tooth pain, call our office for a consultation. In the interim, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. We will help address the cause of the tooth pain and get you back to feeling your best. Toothaches are not something to ignore. They can be signs of serious issues. Don’t delay calling our office to discuss your symptoms and what you should do.

6 Steps to Follow If Your Child Has a Toothache

1. Call our office. Tooth pain is usually a sign that something in the mouth has become irritated or there is tooth decay present. Call our office to speak to a member of our staff to troubleshoot symptoms. And, to make an appointment for a physical exam.
2. Rinse with warm salt water.  A warm salt-water solution can bring quick relief to sore gums.  Have your child rinse well by swishing or holding the salt water over the painful area, then spitting it out.
3. Remove food debris with floss.  Some tooth pain stems from a piece of food (or popcorn) getting stuck between the teeth or up under the gumline. Help your child to remove any food particles with floss to see if that elminates symptoms.
4. Apply a cold compress. Cold can relieve pain and swelling. Apply the compress for about 15 minutes, then off for 20.
5. Try child ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Confirm the appropriate dosage for your child’s age and weight with a member of our team.  Follow product directions for administration.  While medication can help with pain symptoms, addressing the cause should be your first priority.

What Are the Causes of a Toothache?

There are many reasons why your child may be experiencing tooth pain. The most common reason is tooth decay. Plain and simple. When tooth decay damages the inner layer of the tooth–the dentin–tooth pain is the result. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your tooth.  And, dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel. Dentin is the tooth’s sensitive layer. It has tiny microscopic tubes that originate from the very center of the tooth.

Other resaons for a toothache include: orthodontic treatment, food debris caught in the gum tissue, tooth fractures, damaged sealants/fillings,  gum disease, erupting teeth, mouth sores, teeth-grinding, a sinus infection, and ear infection, brushing or flossing too hard, misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth and a tooth abscess.

Getting Treatment for a Toothache

Toothache treatment hinges on the cause of the pain. If a cavity is found to be the culprit for the toothache, Dr, Cat will fill the cavity– or, if necessary, extract the tooth. A root canal is sometimes needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve.

When Should You Consider an Emergency Room?

Typically, if your child is experiencing fatigue, pain, and/or fever, you should call Dr. Cat as soon as you can and seek treatment. If you are unable to reach our office, a visit to the emergeny room may be needed if your child is experiencing pain AND having difficulty with breathing or swallowing. These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue.

Prevent a Toothache and Tooth Decay with These Tips

An ounce of prevention can go a long way. Help safeguard your child’s health and smile by making sure these steps are part of your routine:

• Schedule an in-office dental cleaning and exam every six months.
• Use fluoride-fortified toothpastes approved by the ADA.
• Brush twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Avoid eating starchy or sugary foods. These foods produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.
• Make sure that your children’s drinking water is fluoridated.

Finding a Home at Li’l Sunshine Smiles

Our Tampa-based facility is designed to ensure that your family gets the best care medicine and science can provide with a gentle and kind approach.

Our office offers a closeness to elementary schools and daycares. Because of this, our location makes it convenient for parents to take children to visit the dentist.  Our well-trained staff has developed systems that allow patients and parents to move quickly through the treatment process with enjoyment and less fear!

Call 813-576-0200 to schedule a children’s dentistry consultation with Dr. Botero today!