What to Keep in Mind When Your Child’s Tooth Hurts

Posted January 21, 2020

Toothaches are common at any age, and they can result from so many different conditions that it’s often impossible to diagnose one without professional help. When your child’s tooth hurts, for example, it might be because they’ve damaged the tooth somehow, or because the tooth is starting to get a cavity. At our Dallas, TX, children’s dental office, we can help you and your child determine the source of the toothache, as well as the most appropriate treatment to make it stop. We can do that best if you call us as soon as your child’s tooth starts hurting.

It’s always a concern that should be addressed

A lot of things can go through your mind when your child complains of a toothache, but one of the most important things to focus on is the fact that the toothache has to be addressed. Pain and aching in teeth don’t usually go away on their own; instead, they grow worse the longer they’re allowed to progress. That’s because whatever is causing it is also growing worse, and whether that’s tooth damage, decay, or some other cause, this will only spell trouble for your child’s oral health. To avoid more severe discomfort and the need for extensive treatment, it’s best to address your child’s toothache by scheduling a visit with the dentist as soon as possible.

It might be a warning to prevent something worse

When you take your child’s toothache seriously and visit the dentist as soon as possible, your child has a good chance of avoiding more intense discomfort. The specific risks to your child’s oral health depend on the specific cause of the toothache. For instance, if it’s a small chip or crack in the tooth, then this can become a bigger, more severe fracture or lead to a larger piece of the tooth being broken off. If the toothache is the result of a cavity, then the tooth decay that’s causing it will continue to erode your child’s tooth structure, and can lead to several other subsequent problems.

It’s most often the start of a cavity in your child’s tooth

While there are many potential reasons for your child’s toothache, the formation of a cavity is one of the most common. This is caused by oral bacteria eroding a tooth’s enamel and infecting its main structure, and it’s as common for adults as it is for children. If your child does have a cavity, then the decaying tooth may not be the only thing at risk. In severe cases, it may spread to the permanent tooth that’s developing underneath your child’s primary one, and can risk the future health of your child’s smile.

Call us if your child has a toothache

If your child’s tooth starts to hurt, then you should always take it seriously and have your child’s dentist find out why as soon as possible. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.