If My Child Has a Toothache, Is That Considered a Dental Emergency?

Seeing your child in pain is never easy and parents would try everything to help their little ones feel better. But, as hard as it can be to see that your kid is suffering, you shouldn't always rush to the emergency room when they have a toothache. 

To put it shortly, a toothache can be considered a dental emergency, but it's not always the case. 

Here's why and when you should seek help for tooth pain. 

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency in Children?

It's easy to get overwhelmed when your child is in pain, so let's try to get the facts straight first. 

We talk about dental emergencies in children when their condition requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or infection. Some common dental emergencies in children include:

• A knocked-out tooth
• A broken or fractured tooth
• A severe toothache or abscess
• A soft tissue injury such as a cut or laceration to the gums, cheeks, or tongue
• A lost or broken crown

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

As we said, a toothache isn't always a dental emergency, but it can be a sign of a more serious dental problem, so it's important to pay attention to the symptoms. For example, if in addition to severe pain, your kid is also experiencing: 

• Swelling around the tooth or in the face
• A high fever
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• A visible abscess or pus on the gums

These signs indicate an infection and it's paramount to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Severe Toothache

If your child has a severe toothache, it's important to take immediate action to alleviate the pain and prevent further damage or infection. Here are some steps you can take:

• Give your child over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to help alleviate the pain.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
• Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Clean the area around the tooth with a soft toothbrush and avoid giving them anything too hot or cold.
• Contact your child's dentist as soon as possible and tell them about their symptoms. 

Keep in mind that if we are talking about infection, then these steps will only provide some temporary relief. You should go to the dentist immediately so that your child can receive appropriate treatment. 

Is Your Child Suffering from Tooth Pain? We Can Help! 

Help your child feel better and avoid the risk of complications by calling Dr. Sal or Dr. Yasi at The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies and you can schedule one right now by calling us at (561) 510-1450. 

For regular appointments, you can get in touch with us online and leave us a message.