Helping Your Child Through a Toothache
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know it comes in varying forms and can linger. Unfortunately, this discomfort doesn’t strictly affect adults. A child’s toothache can disrupt their sleeping and eating habits, which are vital to their development.
When your child cannot communicate their discomfort or identify which tooth hurts, they may still provide non-verbal clues. Understanding the signs that your child has a toothache is crucial to getting them prompt attention from an office specializing in children’s dentistry.
Signs You’re Dealing with a Child’s Toothache
Every parent should pay attention to anything that seems off with their child’s routine and what’s happening inside their mouth. Common visible symptoms of a toothache include a broken tooth, irritated gums, and facial swelling. But other signs aren’t as evident. However, your little one will give you clues that they are experiencing discomfort.
Changes in Eating Habits
When dealing with a child’s toothache, they may avoid eating hot and cold foods. Damaged teeth tend to be sensitive to temperature changes. This sensitivity may cause your child to cry or refuse to eat. Contact a Colorado Springs childrens dentistry office to have them complete an oral evaluation and determine the cause of the discomfort.
Chewing Constantly
The teething process can be long and challenging for both of you. New teeth might soon erupt through the gums if your baby gets cranky and continually wants to chew on everything or drools. Try to keep them distracted and use natural toothache pain relief for children.
Some remedies that may make your child more comfortable include:
- Chewing on solid, chilled teething rings or a wet washcloth
- If your baby is older than six months, let them drink a sippy cup of cool water
- Allowing your child to chew on your clean finger
Although some pain reliever medications are designed to help your baby, they may contain dangerous chemicals for small children.
Trouble Sleeping
If your child has trouble sleeping at night or is fussier than usual before bed, they may have a toothache. An infection can make it difficult for them to get comfortable.
Consistently Rubbing
Sometimes children experience pain in their faces, even when the discomfort stems from their teeth. If you notice your child rubbing their ears or jawline, they may be telling you they have a toothache. Check their mouth for food particles stuck between their teeth or discolored teeth. Brown or black staining may indicate a cavity is present.
What to Do if My Child Has Toothache Symptoms
Although it may seem to be more cost-effective to treat your child’s toothache at home, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with a Colorado Springs pediatric dentist. Waiting too long to get professional help could lead to severe complications.
While you wait for your appointment, you can alleviate some discomfort by giving them the manufacturer’s recommended dose of a child’s pain reliever, like acetaminophen.
Prevent Childhood Toothaches with Routine Dental Cleanings at Pinnacle Dentistry
It’s never too early to begin regular oral health care for your child. Ask our dental professionals for recommendations regarding your child’s routine treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our pediatric dentistry!
