If your child has a toothache it is not something you are going to want to ignore. Our teeth do not have a lot of nerve endings near the surface, so by the time we begin to feel pain it is usually a sign that there is something wrong under the surface. What’s important to know is many dental issues are either reversible or treatable, but the earlier they are caught the better. Even if the toothache goes away on its own you should take any dental issue very seriously. In this article we will cover the reasons a child might have a toothache, when to make an emergency dental appointment, and when you can wait to see the dentist. If you or your family are looking for a great dental option in the Greater Boston area, our dental team in Revere, would be happy to see you.
The term “toothache” is pretty broad and can be used to describe any type of pain you or your child is feeling in their teeth or mouth. There are a few causes to consider. The most obvious cause is any recent injury. If your child plays sports & gets injured or falls when riding their bike, their teeth might hurt if there was a direct contact during the injury. Alternatively, their teeth might hurt due to bacteria in the mouth that lead to gum disease and dental decay. There are also some natural pains and discomfort that children and teens feel as their adult teeth emerge through the gum line or when the wisdom teeth begin to move. Make sure to talk to your child and have them describe what they are feeling. A severe tooth ache is a good reason to call a dentist for an immediate appointment, whereas a smaller ache or pain might not need immediate attention. Regardless any persistent pain should be addressed sooner rather than later as it can be a sign of larger dental issues.
If you or your child is experiencing severe tooth pain or the tooth pain is accompanied by other symptoms you should not wait to see a dentist. An emergency dentist in your area can help you or your child address any dental issues that require immediate attention. This includes helping with a cracked or chipped tooth, or addressing severe toothaches or similar issues. In situations where an injury is potentially life threatening or encompasses areas other than the mouth, you should bring your child to the emergency room at a local hospital.
If your child is experiencing oral pain because they have braces, their adult teeth are coming in, or they were injured while playing a sport or a game, you should always administer first aid treatments. First and foremost, if there is any bleeding you should have them rinse out their mouth and apply a clean strip of gauze to stop the bleeding. To handle pain, a cold compress or pain medication can be used to decrease discomfort while they are on their way to see the dentist or doctor.
Our team of dentists can help your kids handle any of their dental issues. If you live in the Greater Boston area and need your child seen by a dentist, please give us a call and we would be happy to get them set up with an appointment. If you are in need of immediate dental attention, do not hesitate to reach out to us via the phone.
Monday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Tuesday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Thursday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Friday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
