Unless you’re a kids dentistry professional, you may not be sure what’s causing a child’s toothache, or when a trip to the dentist is necessary. Generally, it’s a good idea to see a professional whenever your child is experiencing frequent dental pain. Unless you discover the cause on your own, you need a kids dentistry specialist to make the proper diagnosis.

The following are some potential causes of a child’s toothache:

• Infection: If dental decay goes unaddressed, it can reach the pulp or root section of the tooth, infecting it. Until your child receives treatment, the infection will spread. That’s why it’s important to seek dental care when your child has a chronic toothache.
• Erupting Teeth: Does your child have all of their teeth yet? If not, an erupting tooth may be the cause of their pain. The experience of a tooth breaking through the gums naturally involves some degree of discomfort. 
• Stuck Food: Although it may not seem likely that food stuck between two teeth would cause significant pain, you would be surprised how often it does. The food can actually wedge teeth away from one another and irritate the root section. This is yet another reason why kids dentistry experts emphasize the importance of flossing.
• Damage: A child may have cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged a tooth without realizing it initially. If their toothache follows a recent injury or fall, this may be the case. See a dentist to ensure there is no major damage that needs to be addressed. 

Again, if your child has chronic dental pain, it’s important to seek treatment. In the meantime, you can help by applying a cold compress to the area of their cheek near the pain. If this doesn’t help, consider over-the-counter painkillers that are safe for children.

If your child is experiencing a constant toothache, schedule an appointment at Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Bryan County, GA, for more than 30 years. They’ll determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment. Contact them online for more information, or call (912) 756-3880.