For a parent, there are few things worse than seeing your child in pain. Unfortunately, getting to the root of what is exactly causing that pain can be difficult especially when it comes to tooth pain.
To help figure it out, start by asking your child specifically what hurts. If they can’t describe it in words, have them point to where they are feeling the pain in their mouth. Once you have an idea, check for bleeding, swelling, or damaged teeth.
Some of the most common causes of tooth pain include teething, chipped teeth or enamel, food stuck between teeth or under the gums, and cavities or tooth decay.
Tooth pain can also be tied to other issues such as earaches or headaches so the issue might not be the teeth at all. But just to be sure, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.
To help alleviate pain until you can see the dentist, try flossing the teeth to clear anything that might be stuck, rinse the mouth with warm saltwater, put a cold washcloth on the mouth, or try a small amount of over the counter medication like ibuprofen. If you think teething is the issue, try rubbing the gums with a wet cloth, giving them a chilled teething ring or ibuprofen.
A toothache can be painful no matter the age. Don’t let it wait. If you or anyone in your household is experiencing any kind of dental issue, give Jackson Dental a call at 573-243-5200 to schedule treatment.