Common Causes of Toothaches and How to Handle Them
As a parent, you know kids are not always the best at taking care of their teeth. Toothaches are one of the most common problems parents have to deal with, and it can be tough to know how to handle them. Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of things, from teething to cavities. Knowing how to handle toothache causes and how to get rid of them is important so your child can get relief as soon as possible.
Teething
Babies and young children may experience pain and discomfort when cutting new teeth because the process of cutting through the gums can be quite sore. You can do a few things to help your child find toothache relief, such as giving them a cold teething ring to bite on or over-the-counter medication designed for teething pain.
Injury
Injury to the teeth or gums can happen from falling, being hit in the mouth with a toy, or any other type of accident. A physical injury can cause tooth pain as it can damage the nerves in the teeth. This damage can lead to inflammation and/or infection, which are incredibly painful.
If you think your child may have injured their mouth, it's important to take them to a dentist immediately. Depending on the toothache cause, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown, root canal treatment, antibiotics, pain relief medication, or extraction.
Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth and is caused by infection or an injury. They are painful and can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as infection spreading to other tissue - and even, in some rare cases, death. If your child has an abscess, they need to see a dentist as soon as possible to have it drained.
Cavity
Cavities are dead, damaged areas in your teeth's hard enamel that develop into tiny openings or fissures. When bacteria enter the cavity, it can cause pain and irritation. To remedy the pain at home, you can use over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress on the cheek for 15 minutes intervals.
If your child has a cavity, you will not be able to get rid of the toothache at home and will need to see a dentist to seek treatment immediately.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a minor gum disease that causes inflammation, resulting in redness, swelling, and irritation in the gingiva (the gum at the base of your teeth). It can be caused by plaque buildup, infection, or other factors. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to much more serious problems, such as tooth loss and severe gum diseases, like periodontitis.
To deal with tooth pain from gingivitis, you can implement warm compresses, a saltwater rinse, or over-the-counter pain medications. However, if your child has gingivitis, it is important to take them to see a dentist for treatment. Prompt treatment can prevent the disease from progressing and even reverse present damage.
Visit All-Stars Pediatric Dentistry For All Of Your Child's Dental Needs
If your child is experiencing a toothache, it's important to take action and get them the dental care they need. The best way to ensure your child's oral health is to visit a Cumming pediatric dentist like Dr. John at All Stars Pediatric Dentistry. We are experienced in providing comprehensive care for children of all ages, and we offer a variety of services to meet your family's needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your little one – we look forward to helping them have healthy teeth and gums for life!
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