Understanding Tooth Pain with Montshire Pediatric Dentistry

Tooth Pain

Tooth pain in children is often a sign of dental issues such as cavities. Discomfort can occur when chewing, brushing, or consuming cold or sweet foods and drinks. Understanding how to manage this pain and when to seek professional help is essential for your child’s oral health.

What to Do for Pain Relief:

  • Clean the Area Ensure your child brushes and flosses well around the painful tooth to remove any food particles or plaque.
  • Rinse Have your child rinse their mouth with an over-the-counter rinse or warm salt water to reduce irritation and help clean the area.
  • Apply Fluoride Toothpaste: Smearing a bit of fluoride toothpaste on the affected tooth can help decrease sensitivity and provide temporary relief.
  • Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Use over-the-counter pain relief suitable for children to manage discomfort, following the dosage instructions carefully. ​

When to Seek Treatment:

If your child experiences persistent or severe tooth pain, it's important to seek dental care promptly. Indications that the cavity may have reached the nerve and requires immediate attention include:

  • Pain Keeping Child Awake: If the pain is severe enough to wake your child at night, it may indicate a serious issue.
  • Swelling or Draining Abscess: Visible swelling or a draining abscess around the affected tooth suggests an infection that needs professional treatment.
  • Unrelieved Pain: If over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol do not alleviate the discomfort, it is a sign that professional intervention is necessary.
  • Spontaneous or Random Pain: Pain that occurs spontaneously or randomly without an apparent trigger can indicate a deeper issue. ​

What to Expect if You Seek Treatment:

During your visit, our dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the pain. If the cavity has reached the nerve, treatment may involve disinfection and the use of a medicament to alleviate pain and prevent further infection. In cases of infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed to manage the infection until further dental treatment can be performed. Our goal is to provide effective pain relief and ensure your child’s dental health is restored.