What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache: A Parent’s Guide

A child toothache can be upsetting for both children and parents. Whether your child suddenly complains of pain while eating, wakes up during the night with a sore tooth, or develops sensitivity to hot and cold foods, tooth pain should not be ignored.

A toothache can have several causes, ranging from food trapped between teeth to tooth decay, dental infection, or an injury. While some minor discomfort may resolve quickly, persistent or severe pain can be a sign that your child needs professional dental care.

Knowing what to do when your child has a toothache can help you keep them comfortable while arranging the right treatment.

Quick Answer

If your child has a toothache, gently rinse their mouth with warm water and check whether food is trapped between the teeth. Carefully flossing may help remove trapped food.

A cold compress placed on the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling or discomfort. Do not place aspirin directly on your child's gums or tooth.

If the pain is severe, persistent, keeps returning, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, a broken tooth, or other symptoms, contact a pediatric dentist promptly.

At ABC Kids Dental LA, pediatric emergency dental care is available for children experiencing severe toothaches, facial swelling, broken teeth, and other urgent dental problems. The practice has five locations across the San Fernando Valley.

What Is a Child Toothache?

A child toothache is pain or discomfort involving one or more teeth, the gums, or surrounding tissues. The pain may be constant or may happen when your child bites, chews, drinks something cold, or eats something hot or sweet.

Children sometimes have difficulty explaining exactly where or why something hurts. That's why parents should pay attention to changes in eating, sleeping, brushing, or behavior.

Common signs of tooth pain can include:

• Complaining that a tooth hurts
• Avoiding certain foods
• Chewing on only one side of the mouth
• Crying or becoming irritable during meals
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Waking during the night
• Swollen or red gums
• Swelling around the face or jaw
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Holding the cheek or mouth
• Difficulty opening the mouth

Common Causes of Tooth Pain in Children

Toothaches can develop for many different reasons. Tooth decay is one of the common causes, particularly when cavities become deeper and affect the inner parts of the tooth.

Other possible causes include:

• Food trapped between teeth
• Dental cavities
• Tooth infection or abscess
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Dental trauma
• Gum irritation
• Loose or damaged fillings
• Tooth eruption
• Sinus-related pressure in some cases

A dental examination is the best way to determine the actual cause of your child's pain.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Persistent Tooth Pain

A toothache that continues or becomes worse may indicate an underlying dental problem that requires treatment.

For example, a cavity that initially causes occasional sensitivity can eventually cause more persistent pain if the decay progresses. An untreated infection can also cause swelling and discomfort.

Getting your child evaluated early can help identify the problem and determine the appropriate treatment before it becomes more complicated.

What Should You Do If Your Child Has a Toothache?

The first thing parents should do is remain calm and reassure their child. Dental pain can be frightening, especially for younger children.

Check for Trapped Food

Sometimes discomfort can be caused by food stuck between teeth.

Have your child gently rinse their mouth with warm water. If appropriate, carefully floss between the affected teeth to remove any trapped food.

Avoid using sharp objects to try to remove something stuck between your child's teeth.

Look for Swelling or Injury

Take a quick look inside your child's mouth if they are comfortable allowing you to do so.

Check for:

• Swollen gums
• Redness
• A broken or chipped tooth
• A visible cavity
• Bleeding
• A bump or swelling near a tooth
• Signs of trauma

If you notice significant swelling, facial swelling, severe pain, or an injury, contact a pediatric dentist promptly.

Benefits / Risks / Options

Getting professional advice when your child has persistent tooth pain can provide several benefits.

Benefits of Early Dental Care

Early evaluation can help:

• Identify cavities before they become more advanced
• Detect dental infections
• Relieve pain
• Protect damaged teeth
• Prevent problems from becoming more complicated
• Help your child return to normal eating and sleeping
• Give parents clear instructions for home care

ABC Kids Dental LA offers comprehensive pediatric dental services including oral examinations, digital X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, white fillings, white crowns, pulp therapy, and emergency dental care.

Risks of Waiting Too Long

Ignoring persistent tooth pain may allow an underlying problem to worsen.

A cavity can become deeper, an infection can develop, or a damaged tooth may require more extensive treatment. If your child develops facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of the toothache.

A pediatric dentist may recommend preventive care, a filling, a crown, pulp therapy, or another treatment depending on the condition of the tooth.

The goal is to relieve your child's discomfort while protecting their oral health and developing smile.

What to Expect at the Pediatric Dentist

If your child needs to see a dentist because of tooth pain, knowing what to expect can make the visit less stressful.

Step 1: Examination

The dentist will ask about your child's symptoms, when the pain started, and whether anything makes the pain better or worse.

The dental team will examine your child's teeth, gums, and mouth. X-rays may be recommended when needed to identify problems that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

Step 2: Finding the Cause

Once the dentist has evaluated your child, they will explain what may be causing the discomfort.

The cause could be a cavity, infection, dental injury, food trapped between teeth, or another dental condition.

Understanding the cause helps the dentist determine the most appropriate treatment.

Step 3: Treatment and Follow-Up

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may be provided during the visit or scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

The dentist will also explain how to care for your child's teeth at home and what symptoms to watch for after treatment.

ABC Kids Dental LA emphasizes a comfortable, child-friendly experience and provides pediatric dental services designed around children's individual needs.

Child Toothache in San Fernando Valley

Parents looking for pediatric dental care in the San Fernando Valley can visit ABC Kids Dental LA at one of its five locations.

Granada Hills

16850 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344
Phone: 818-488-6068

Pacoima

10445 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Phone: 818-890-8070

Sun Valley

8361 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Sun Valley, CA 91352
Phone: 818-504-9216

San Fernando

2040 Glenoaks Blvd., Unit F, San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone: 818-600-4690

Reseda

18235 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
Phone: 818-401-6777

For general assistance and appointments, ABC Kids Dental LA lists 833-422-2543 (833-i-ABC-Kid) as its main phone number.

The practice states that it accepts Denti-Cal and PPO insurance plans and offers Spanish-language assistance.

Why Choose ABC Kids Dental LA?

When your child has a toothache, you want a dental team that understands both pediatric dentistry and the concerns that come with treating young patients.

ABC Kids Dental LA provides children's dentistry and orthodontics in a welcoming environment designed to help children feel comfortable during dental visits. The practice offers preventive, restorative, orthodontic, and emergency dental services.

With five locations throughout the San Fernando Valley, families can choose a convenient office in Granada Hills, Pacoima, Sun Valley, San Fernando, or Reseda.

The practice also offers emergency dental care for children experiencing severe toothaches, facial swelling, chipped or broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child has a toothache at night?

Have your child gently rinse their mouth with warm water and check for food trapped between the teeth. A cold compress may help with swelling or discomfort. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or other concerning symptoms, contact a pediatric dentist promptly.

How do I know if my child's toothache is an emergency?

Severe or persistent pain, facial swelling, significant dental injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection can require urgent dental evaluation. If your child has difficulty breathing or swallowing or appears seriously ill, seek emergency medical care.

Can a cavity cause a child's toothache?

Yes. Cavities can cause sensitivity and pain, particularly when decay becomes deeper. A pediatric dentist can examine your child's tooth and determine whether a cavity or another problem is responsible.

Should I put aspirin on my child's tooth?

No. Parents should not place aspirin directly on a child's tooth or gums because it can irritate or damage the soft tissues. Instead, contact a dental professional for appropriate advice about managing your child's discomfort.

When should I take my child to a pediatric dentist for tooth pain?

If the pain persists, returns repeatedly, interferes with eating or sleeping, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, injury, or other concerning symptoms, arrange a dental evaluation. Prompt care can help identify and treat the underlying problem.

Conclusion: Don't Ignore Your Child's Toothache

A child toothache is more than just an uncomfortable symptom. It can sometimes indicate a cavity, infection, injury, or another dental problem that needs professional attention.

Parents can start by keeping their child comfortable, gently rinsing the mouth, checking for trapped food, and using a cold compress when appropriate. However, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist.

If your child is experiencing significant tooth pain or another urgent dental problem, ABC Kids Dental LA provides pediatric dental and emergency care at five San Fernando Valley locations.

Need help with your child's toothache? Call ABC Kids Dental LA at 833-422-2543 (833-i-ABC-Kid) or contact your nearest location to schedule an appointment.