How to Tell If Your Child’s Tooth Pain Needs Immediate Care

Is it a normal toothache? Or a problem?

As we grow older, pain can become part of our lives. We get out of bed; our joints ache. We chased the child across the backyard; those joints go on strike again! But what do we do when our children complain about aches and pains, specifically tooth pain? Perhaps they were up all night grinding their teeth due to stress over school, or maybe they have a cavity and need to get to the dentist sooner rather than later. It can be difficult to determine what is an emergency and what is just a general ache or pain.

Sometimes, tooth pain is something temporary that happens. However, other times it can be a sign that something serious is going on. To make it even more confusing, sometimes the pain comes and goes. When it’s our children, it can be even harder to determine what is what. As parents, how do we know when to wait it out and when to call their pediatric dentist?

Common Causes of Everyday Tooth Pain

There are many reasons your child may be dealing with tooth pain that are not something you need to stress too much about. Most of the time, the following symptoms can be addressed at your child’s next regular appointment. 

Perhaps your little one is dealing with some mild sensitivity to temperature? This could appear by sensitivity to anything from ice cream to fresh grilled cheese. This can be caused by many different things, so be sure to bring it up at your child’s next dental cleaning.

Another incredibly common reason is food stuck between the teeth. Sometimes these little pieces of food can tuck deep between the teeth, invisible to anyone on the hunt. A quick session with dental floss typically fixes this problem.

Sometimes it feels like teething never truly ends. If your little one is dealing with some new molars coming in, this is bound to give them tooth pain that can last for days. Usually, some over-the-counter solutions, like ibuprofen or tylenol can help with this problem. 

If your child has small cavities that haven’t progressed just yet, this can cause tooth pain. These tiny cavities can hide in places no one will notice, causing your child’s teeth to ache. If this is the case, it’s best to fix these cavities early, before they have a chance to become a much bigger problem.  

Signs Your Child May Need Same Day Care

Sometimes, a toothache is a sign that something else is going on and that they need to come to visit us at Valley Dental Clinic sooner rather than later. If your child is dealing with one, or a combination of any of the following symptoms, it’s important that you get an appointment to have your child’s teeth checked out with a same day appointment. 

• If your child is dealing with tooth pain that wakes them in the night

• If there is swelling in the cheek or gums

• If there is a fever accompanying any of the symptoms

• Any of their teeth are cracked or broken

• Pain becomes sharp or constant 

Situations That Can Usually Wait

There are some cases where the tooth pain can be addressed at a later date, but still needs to be checked out. Though these are signs that something else could be going on, it’s not quite as pressing. Here are a few of the situations to watch for.

• Short-lived discomfort

• Mild sensitivity only with cold foods

• Temporary gum soreness from brushing or flossing

What Parents Can Do at Home First

If you’re worried you might be dealing with a dental emergency at home, here are a few things to check on before creating that emergency appointment with the pediatric dentist.

First, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to try to get anything that could be hiding between the teeth.

Next, give a visual inspection to see if you can find any of that stubborn food hiding in there. If you see anything, use that tooth floss to get rid of it.

To help your little one with that discomfort, use age-appropriate over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, as directed. 

When to Call Valley Dental Clinic

When your child is dealing with a toothache, you’re not alone! The team at Valley Dental Clinic is ready and waiting to help you out. We can help assess symptoms over the phone, helping you make the right decision for your child. We want you to ask the questions! With a little communication, we can provide timely care to prevent bigger problems from sneaking in.

Trust Your Instincts

When it comes to taking care of your child, you know them best. Trust those instincts! If you are ever unsure, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask any questions that might come to mind. It’s always better to ask than to be left wondering if you made the right choice. By acting early, we can work together to keep your child comfortable. 

Are you ready to make an appointment? Jump online and request an appointment with Valley Dental Clinic today!