What To Do About A Child's Toothache
Posted on: 11 September 2015
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Dealing with a child's toothache can be worrisome, especially if you aren't sure whether to seek emergency care. Here are some steps to troubleshooting your child's toothache.
Clean the Teeth and Gums
Sometimes, the pain of a toothache can be caused by decaying food in your child's mouth. At the first sign of a toothache, rinse your child's mouth thoroughly with salt water and floss to remove any food particles that have been stuck in your child's teeth.
Sometimes, impacted food can be the source of a toothache. When food is trapped against the tooth and begins to decay, it may cause a cavity quickly. Impacted food might be hiding in the spots that you tend to miss while brushing, so take a mirror and look for food in crevices on the back of your child's teeth.
Reduce Pain and Swelling
If you notice some minor swelling in the area, you can use a cold compress to relieve the pain and control inflammation. if you don't have a cold compress available, you can use ice wrapped in a thin gauze; never put the ice directly on the skin or tooth. A compress can be applied to the area for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Call a Dentist for Help
As soon as you can, get in touch with your dentist to seek advice on how to deal with your child's toothache. The dentist might ask you to inspect the child's mouth for signs of a chipped tooth or a serious infection. Some of the common reasons for a child's toothache include fractures, cavities, and the beginnings of wisdom teeth; only a dentist can rule out more serious options for sure.
When you call your dentist about a toothache, it can also be helpful if you've kept a record of how the child is feeling. For instance, are the symptoms getting worse or staying the same? Have you noticed any major behavioral changes that could indicate a serious problem?
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Sometimes, a child's toothache can indicate a dental emergency, such as an abscess. If your child is in excruciating pain, it's best to call a dentist who specializes in emergency dental care like Ellen Bollmeier, DMD, LLC to see about same-day or next-day appointments. Keep an eye on the offending tooth, and call a dentist immediately if you notice red swelling around the tooth or if you see red streaks on the veins leading away from the painful area.