{"id":2779,"date":"2026-09-23T22:30:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T19:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/?p=2779"},"modified":"2026-09-23T22:32:35","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T19:32:35","slug":"durerea-de-masea-la-copil-cand-este-o-urgenta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/children\/toothache-in-a-child-when-is-it-an-emergency\/","title":{"rendered":"Toothache in Children: When Is It an Emergency?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2780 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1402\" height=\"1122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta.png 1402w, https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta-1024x819.png 1024w, https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta-768x615.png 768w, https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/copii_04_durerea_de_masea_la_copil_urgenta-15x12.png 15w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1402px) 100vw, 1402px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth pain should not be ignored just because it involves a baby tooth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even a tooth that is about to fall out can develop a deep cavity or an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why might a child's tooth hurt?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common causes are dental or gum problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a cavity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a deep cavity that has reached close to the nerve;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammation of the dental pulp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an infection;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an abscess;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a tooth coming in;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a shot;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a fractured tooth;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gum inflammation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food stuck between the teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact cause cannot be determined based solely on the intensity of the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A medical consultation is necessary when pain persists or recurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When is a child's toothache considered an emergency?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The appointment should not be postponed if any of the following occur:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">swelling of the gums;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">swelling of the cheek or face;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pus;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fever associated with a dental problem;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe and persistent pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty opening the mouth;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty swallowing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">altered general condition;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">significant dental trauma.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event of severe breathing or swallowing difficulties, or extensive swelling, an emergency medical evaluation is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>My child has a toothache at night. What could it mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain that occurs spontaneously and wakes the child may indicate a more serious problem than mere sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not possible to determine the exact cause at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the pain returns, it is a good idea to have the tooth examined as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain relievers can temporarily reduce pain, but they do not address the underlying dental cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The child has a swelling on the gum near a molar<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A swelling near a problematic tooth may be caused by an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes parents notice a small white spot or an area that appears to be oozing pus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not try to pop or squeeze the area at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The child should be examined by a doctor to identify the affected tooth and determine the necessary treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What can I do until I take my child to the dentist?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the area as clean as possible by brushing gently, without damaging the gums.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For pain management, use only medications that are appropriate for the child's age and follow a doctor's recommendations or the product instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not apply medication directly to your gums or teeth without a doctor's recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not try to treat the condition at home, and do not give your child antibiotics left over from other treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics, when indicated, must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and do not replace treatment of the tooth that caused the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>If it's a baby tooth, can we wait for it to fall out?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not if there is pain or an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some primary molars need to remain in the dental arch for a significant period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, the main issue is not just saving the tooth, but eliminating the pain and the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the situation, the tooth may be treated or may need to be extracted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How does the doctor determine what's wrong with the child?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The consultation begins with an examination of the tooth and gums.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The doctor may ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when the pain started;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how long it takes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if it occurs at night;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whether it hurts when it's cold, hot, or sweet;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if there is swelling;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if the tooth has been knocked out.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If necessary, he or she may also recommend an X-ray.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every child and not every type of pain automatically requires an X-ray.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How can we avoid ending up in the emergency room?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideally, a child's first visit to the dentist shouldn't be at a time when they're already in a lot of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular checkups allow for the detection of cavities before they cause pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SmileCity offers pediatric dental consultations and services in Sector 6, including cavity treatment, fillings, extractions, sealants, and familiarization sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The clinic is located at 158 Ghencea Boulevard, Bucharest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the pain is persistent or swelling develops, don't wait for it to go away on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How do you distinguish between a brief sensation of pain and pain that needs to be evaluated?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why doesn't the antibiotic solve the tooth problem on its own?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What information should you have ready before your appointment?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s helpful to be able to say when the pain started, whether it\u2019s triggered by cold, hot, or sweet foods or by chewing, whether it wakes the child at night, and whether there\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When is medical care needed\u2014not just dental care?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple toothache is usually treated at the dentist\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Dac\u0103 un copil are durere puternic\u0103 de m\u0103sea, umfl\u0103tur\u0103, febr\u0103, puroi sau durerea \u00eel treze\u0219te repetat noaptea, este recomandat\u0103 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-copii"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2779"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2781,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779\/revisions\/2781"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilecity.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}