Toothache in a child - what to do?

Toothache in a child - what to do?

On 29 January 20257 January 2025In Polish Dentist in the UK

Children often find it difficult to describe their pain accurately, so it is important for parents to be able to recognise potential causes and respond accordingly. In this article, we explain what can cause a toothache in a child, what other symptoms should worry you, how to help your child at home, when to go to the dentist and how to prevent such situations in the future.

Causes of toothache in a child

These are many. The most common is tooth decay, especially if it is advanced. And in the case of milk teeth, this is very easy. These are much less mineralised than permanent teeth, which is why deciduous teeth break down more quickly and decay attacks subsequent teeth much more easily. 

Before visible changes occur, that is, black and damaged teeth, it is worth reacting to the first signs. And these are: pain in the child's tooth, discolouration, increased sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods and problems chewing or feeling uncomfortable when eating. You can read more about this in our article "Caries of deciduous teeth - when to treat and when to extract the tooth".

Another cause of toothache in a child is teething. While it cannot be avoided, you can try to relieve the pain. How? We wrote about this in the article "Teething - how to deal with it".

Pain in the child can also cause injuries, such as a fracture, cracked tooth or trauma caused by a fall, for example. Added to this are gum infections or abscesses.

Finally, food retention. Leftover food can get stuck between the teeth and cause pain. This is why regular and proper oral hygiene is so important. But what if your little one is not a fan of the toothbrush? We recommend you read our text "10 ways to encourage your child to brush their teeth". 

The painting depicts a little girl in a white jumper looking with interest at a mercury thermometer held in an adult's hand. The scene suggests that the child may be ill and her temperature is being measured.

Not just pain - symptoms that should also be of concern

In addition to a toothache, it is worth looking out for other symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem:

  • swelling of the gums or cheek,
  • fever,
  • difficulty eating or swallowing,
  • unpleasant mouth odour,
  • presence of an abscess or visible lesion at the tooth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay a visit to the dentist. The earlier it is, the less pain and stress your child will experience. 

As we know, prevention is always much better than cure, so make regular visits to the paediatric dentist a permanent fixture in your calendar. They should take place at least every six months. These check-ups are not only a way of creating good associations with the dentist's surgery, which your child will not associate with pain. It is also an opportunity to perform hygiene treatmentsand check the condition of the oral cavity. This allows the doctor to start treatment right away, minimising pain in the child. 

The painting depicts a girl with brown hair holding her hand to her mouth and her eyes closed, most likely due to a toothache. The child has an expression of sadness on her face and is against a background of blurred colours. The image appears to be from a medical source, as suggested by the icon with a stylised medical symbol in the lower right corner.

In addition to regular visits to the dentist, remember to practice proper and regular oral hygiene. Teach your little one not only to brush his teeth properly, but also to develop the habit of flossing. This will help him avoid many serious problems in the future.

On top of this, ensure a healthy diet. Limit your child's intake of simple sugars and sugary drinks that coat the teeth. Read more about nutrition that positively affects teeth in the article "Anti caries diet for children".

Finally, react quickly to problems. If you notice any worrying symptoms consult your dentist as soon as possible.  

What if it is too late?

The painting shows a little girl lying on a bed with starburst bedding and hugging a teddy bear. The child is holding a bottle of medicine in her hands and appears to be ill. The scene shows the girl in a domestic, natural situation, she is probably accompanied by her favourite toys, which add a sense of security and comfort to the painting.

What should you do if your child complains of a toothache?

If your little one is in pain and you don't have the option to go to the dentist straight away, apply a cold compress to the cheek at the site of pain to relieve swelling and reduce discomfort. 

You can also give a suitable analgesic for children, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. IMPORTANT: It is a good idea to ask in advance at any doctor's appointment about the best medicine for your child and the dosage.

Remember to maintain oral hygiene. Gently clean your child's tooth and interdental spaces.

Avoid serving hot, cold, sweet or hard foods that can aggravate a child's toothache.

And make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If your child's last visit to the surgery was more than 6 months ago be sure to write or call to us. This will save your little one pain and dental problems in the future.