If a child has severe toothache, swelling, fever, pus, or if the pain repeatedly wakes the child at night, a prompt evaluation by a dentist is recommended.
Tooth pain should not be ignored just because it involves a baby tooth.
Even a tooth that is about to fall out can develop a deep cavity or an infection.
Why might a child's tooth hurt?
The most common causes are dental or gum problems.
These may include:
- a cavity;
- a deep cavity that has reached close to the nerve;
- inflammation of the dental pulp;
- an infection;
- an abscess;
- a tooth coming in;
- a shot;
- a fractured tooth;
- gum inflammation;
- food stuck between the teeth.
The exact cause cannot be determined based solely on the intensity of the pain.
A medical consultation is necessary when pain persists or recurs.
When is a child's toothache considered an emergency?
The appointment should not be postponed if any of the following occur:
- swelling of the gums;
- swelling of the cheek or face;
- pus;
- fever associated with a dental problem;
- severe and persistent pain;
- difficulty opening the mouth;
- difficulty swallowing;
- altered general condition;
- significant dental trauma.
In the event of severe breathing or swallowing difficulties, or extensive swelling, an emergency medical evaluation is necessary.
My child has a toothache at night. What could it mean?
Pain that occurs spontaneously and wakes the child may indicate a more serious problem than mere sensitivity.
It is not possible to determine the exact cause at home.
If the pain returns, it is a good idea to have the tooth examined as soon as possible.
Pain relievers can temporarily reduce pain, but they do not address the underlying dental cause.
The child has a swelling on the gum near a molar
A swelling near a problematic tooth may be caused by an infection.
Sometimes parents notice a small white spot or an area that appears to be oozing pus.
Do not try to pop or squeeze the area at home.
The child should be examined by a doctor to identify the affected tooth and determine the necessary treatment.
What can I do until I take my child to the dentist?
Keep the area as clean as possible by brushing gently, without damaging the gums.
For pain management, use only medications that are appropriate for the child's age and follow a doctor's recommendations or the product instructions.
Do not apply medication directly to your gums or teeth without a doctor's recommendation.
Do not try to treat the condition at home, and do not give your child antibiotics left over from other treatments.
Antibiotics, when indicated, must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and do not replace treatment of the tooth that caused the problem.
If it's a baby tooth, can we wait for it to fall out?
Not if there is pain or an infection.
Some primary molars need to remain in the dental arch for a significant period of time.
Furthermore, the main issue is not just saving the tooth, but eliminating the pain and the infection.
Depending on the situation, the tooth may be treated or may need to be extracted.
How does the doctor determine what's wrong with the child?
The consultation begins with an examination of the tooth and gums.
The doctor may ask:
- when the pain started;
- how long it takes;
- if it occurs at night;
- whether it hurts when it's cold, hot, or sweet;
- if there is swelling;
- if the tooth has been knocked out.
If necessary, he or she may also recommend an X-ray.
Not every child and not every type of pain automatically requires an X-ray.
How can we avoid ending up in the emergency room?
Ideally, a child's first visit to the dentist shouldn't be at a time when they're already in a lot of pain.
Regular checkups allow for the detection of cavities before they cause pain.
SmileCity offers pediatric dental consultations and services in Sector 6, including cavity treatment, fillings, extractions, sealants, and familiarization sessions.
The clinic is located at 158 Ghencea Boulevard, Bucharest.
If the pain is persistent or swelling develops, don't wait for it to go away on its own.
How do you distinguish between a brief sensation of pain and pain that needs to be evaluated?
A brief reaction to something cold or sweet can have several causes and does not automatically indicate an emergency. However, pain that persists after the stimulus has disappeared, occurs for no apparent reason, recurs at night, or causes the child to avoid chewing should be evaluated promptly. Parents should not attempt to diagnose the problem on their own, but should observe the duration, intensity, and triggers of the pain. This information is very helpful to the doctor.
Why doesn't the antibiotic solve the tooth problem on its own?
Antibiotics do not treat tooth decay or repair a damaged tooth. In certain infections, they may be necessary as part of treatment, but their use depends on the clinical signs and the child’s overall condition. Administering an antibiotic you have at home may temporarily mask the symptoms and delay proper treatment. If the source is dental, the tooth must be evaluated and treated appropriately.
What information should you have ready before your appointment?
It’s helpful to be able to say when the pain started, whether it’s triggered by cold, hot, or sweet foods or by chewing, whether it wakes the child at night, and whether there’s any swelling or fever. Also mention what medications the child has taken and at what time. These details help the clinic better assess the urgency of the situation and allow the doctor to understand the progression of the symptoms right from the start of the consultation.
When is medical care needed—not just dental care?
A simple toothache is usually treated at the dentist’s office. However, if the swelling spreads rapidly, the child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, is very sleepy, dehydrated, or their overall condition is deteriorating, the situation requires urgent medical evaluation. These signs are different from local discomfort, and you should not wait until a regular appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an emergency if his tooth only hurts when he eats?
We cannot determine the severity based solely on this symptom. Pain caused by food, cold, or sweet substances may indicate a dental problem and should be evaluated.
What should I do if the pain goes away after taking pain medication?
However, schedule an appointment if the pain was severe or keeps coming back. Pain relievers can reduce the symptoms without addressing the underlying cause.
Can a dental abscess in a child go away on its own?
A possible dental infection should be evaluated by a doctor. Even if the swelling or pain subsides temporarily, the underlying cause may remain.
Can I pop the pus-filled spot on my gum?
No. Do not try to break it or prick it. The child should be examined by a doctor.
When should I go to the emergency room right away?
Rapid swelling of the face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a change in overall condition, or other severe symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.