How To Handle Your Child’s Toothache
When your child comes to you with a toothache, do you know what to say and what to do? Or do you find that you feel frantic and a bit torn regarding the severity of the situation? Don’t worry, this is a common issue that is best addressed by making your way through several steps. As long as your child is not running a fever (which is a good sign that you need to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician), then you can calmly help your child feel more comfortable, while planning time for a regularly scheduled appointment or emergency dental visit with us.
Perform A Visual Check
Take a look at your child’s tooth. If you see a dark hole, your child may have a cavity and require a dental filling – if you see nothing, your child may have suffered some slight trauma that aggravated the tooth’s nerves. However, if the tooth appears broken or significantly damaged, we encourage you to contact us right away for an emergency dental visit.
Floss The Area
Did you notice food stuck next to the tooth in question? If so, gently floss the area to see if you can dislodge the particles. This is often the cause of a toothache and, once the food is dislodged, the pain will subside.
Treat The Discomfort
To alleviate any discomfort, we suggest providing your little one with an over-the-counter children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. If swelling occurs, make up an ice pack or cold compress to hold over the affected area.
Give Us A Call
Call us and let us know what is happening with your child’s tooth. We will schedule a regular appointment or emergency dental visit, so we can examine the problem to determine whether your child needs a filling, whether an infection is present, or if the discomfort was a temporary concern.
filed under: Children's Dental Services, Tips/Advice