A toothache is a pain in your tooth, around your tooth, or pressure when biting down on the tooth. Your child could get a toothache for a variety of causes. Some of the reasons are minor, while others are significant problems that demand immediate attention from a dentist. So, what are the signs of a toothache? At Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry in Princeton, New Jersey, we want to make sure that every one of our patients knows how to deal with a toothache and help a child with one. We’ve listed a few different causes of toothaches and how to treat them below.
What are the Signs of a Toothache?
Many different blood vessels and nerves go through our teeth. Whether it is a baby or an adult tooth, extreme sensitivity and pain will begin to influence your mouth when they are harmed. A toothache can come from illness, clumsiness, or lack of good hygiene. You’ll be able to tell if it’s an emergency based on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing. If the paint is mild, some at-home remedies can take care of the issues. If the pain is unbearable, come into our emergency dental office right away. Several different factors can cause a toothache:
- Tooth decay from lack of good oral hygiene.
- There is a dental emergency, such as an abscessed tooth, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth.
- Damaged dental work: This can occur with children as they will play with different dental work done in their mouths.
- Infection from built-up bacteria.
- Grinding your teeth at night or when stressed.
If the pain you experience from these types of toothaches is mild, try some of the at-home remedies listed below. If you have inflammation of gums, bleeding, or intense pain down into the root of your tooth, call us right away. You can also check your child’s tooth. You can gently run your figure on the crown, and if your child highly reacts, then you know to bring them into our office.
At-Home Remedies for Toothaches
If you have a minimal amount of pain, there are some things you and your child can try before coming into our office.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: Saltwater is a disinfectant, and it will eliminate any bacteria that may have accumulated in your mouth. It’ll help loosen any lodged food or bacteria between your teeth.
- Use a cold compress: If you’re experiencing swelling, a cold compress will assist in reducing the inflammation in your blood vessels. A cold compress can help you feel a lot better.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Any over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to assist relieve pain. Make sure you follow the directions and only take what you need. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are excellent options, and they offer versions for kids.
- Brush and floss your teeth: This sounds simple, but the issue may be as simple as a popcorn kernel stuck in your gums that need to be removed. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any hidden debris. You can help your child do the same.
If these remedies do not help your situation or pain levels, then it is time to call the dentist. We will have you in as soon as possible.
Our patients and their dental health are important to us at Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry. One of the most effective ways to avoid signs of a toothache is to practice good oral hygiene daily. Please do what you can to educate your children when they are young to help them prevent a toothache and other dental issues. Please give us a call if you are in the Princeton, New Jersey, region and need assistance with a toothache.