A Pediatric Dentistry Office Offers Tips on How to Help Your Child with a Toothache

Pediatric dentistry can help with the immediate relief of toothaches. Children can be sensitive to pain. As a parent, you need to end the discomfort right away. This is where tips for dealing with toothaches come in. If you want to know how to help with your child’s toothache, here are some pediatric dentistry tips to consider.

For steady dull ache in the jaw or teeth

This is one of the most common types of tooth pain in kids. An impacted wisdom tooth, infection of the pulp, or gum disease may cause this type of pain. A visit to the dentist can determine what is causing this tooth pain. After a diagnosis, the dentist will provide the necessary pediatric dentistry treatment for the underlying dental problem. This can relieve any infection and prevent the worsening of infections.

For throbbing pain without a definite trigger

Children with this persistent toothache often do not get proper sleep at night. They cannot nap either. The main cause of this tooth pain is either an abscess or an inflamed dental pulp. The common causes of these problems are gum disease, dental trauma, and deep cavities. The pediatric dentistry professional can treat the root cause of the issue. This can relieve tooth pain and even prevent infections from spreading or worsening.

For sharp pain while chewing

A child can experience this type of toothache when there is a cracked tooth. Whenever the child bites down, the pressure opens the crack. Releasing the bite closes the crack and triggers sharp pain. This toothache can be inconsistent. Chewing in a different way may prevent the onset of pain.

The pediatric dentistry treatment for a cracked tooth will depend on the size, type, and location of the crack. It also depends on the damage to the pulp. Minor cases will need a filling treatment. More complicated cases will need pulp therapy. If the damage goes beyond the pulp, the dentist may need to extract the tooth.

For pain after eating acidic, hot, cold, and sweet foods

This type of tooth pain is often a result of trauma or cavities. Dental injuries and tooth decay can deteriorate the enamel. This exposes the sensitive dentin layer. The possible pediatric dentistry treatments for this problem are dental crowns or fillings.

Other toothache-relieving recommendations

Most toothache cases need pediatric dentistry visits. An appointment may take one to two days or so. While waiting, there are also other temporary solutions that a parent can use. Below are some toothache solutions to consider before the pediatric dentistry visit:

• Rinsing with a warm salt solution can relieve tooth pain. The warm water can reduce swelling and pain, while the salt kills bacteria.
• Peppermint tea bags can relax the gums and numb the pain. Placing freshly used peppermint tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes will be enough to chill them. Applying these tea bags on the child’s gums and cheek can relieve the toothache.
• Giving the child over-the-counter pain medication can also help. Asking the pediatric dentistry professional about this first can help determine how much and how often the child should take it.

Common causes of toothaches

It can be difficult for a child to endure a toothache. A parent can find a child’s pain overwhelming. Knowing the causes of toothaches can help prevent the onset of tooth pain. Here are the common causes of toothaches:

• Tooth decay is the main cause of toothaches. Decay damages the enamel. This exposes sensitive dentin that has nerve endings. The tooth becomes sensitive to touch and temperature changes.
• A tooth abscess is a severe infection. Cavities that do not receive treatment can reach down into the dental root. The infection causes throbbing pain. Treating it can end the child’s discomfort.
• Teeth grinding or bruxism can damage the enamel layer of teeth. The enamel is thinner in children than in adults. The grinding can result in broken teeth or jaw pain. The dentist can prescribe custom-fit nightguards for children with bruxism.
• Gum disease is a condition that affects the gum tissue and teeth. The infection penetrates the bones. This results in tooth and jaw pain.
• Cracked tooth syndrome can cause great tooth pain as well. Fractures and cracks in teeth expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. This condition can result from an injury, bruxism, or improper bite.

Pediatric dentistry treatments can help relieve your child’s tooth pain

The dentist can check the child’s teeth and gums. Ordering dental X-rays will confirm the extent of the damage or infection. Pediatric dentistry treatments can help end your child’s dental pain. Working with your dentist allows you to target the cause of the discomfort and prevent it from occurring again.

Are you considering pediatric dentistry treatments in the Richmond area? Get more information at https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com.

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