Toothache (Pulpitis) in Children

A toothache (pulpitis) is when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed and infected. The pulp is the soft part inside the tooth that has blood vessels and nerves.

What causes a toothache in a child?

A toothache often happens after an injury to the tooth. The most common form of injury to a tooth is from a cavity. This is a hole in a tooth.

A cavity is often the result of poor dental hygiene. Sugar and starch in foods allow bacteria in the mouth to damage the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and starch and make an acid that can eat through the teeth. This leads to tooth decay.

What are the symptoms of a toothache in a child?

Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms of a toothache:

• Constant, throbbing pain in a tooth
• Pain in the tooth that gets worse when the tooth is touched
• Pain in the tooth that gets worse with hot or cold foods or liquids
• A sore, tender jaw around the tooth
• Fever
• Generally tired and feeling badly (malaise)

How is a toothache diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider can often diagnose a toothache with a complete health history and exam of your child. He or she will likely refer your child to a dentist for evaluation and care.

At the dentist, your child may have X-rays done. An X-ray makes images of internal tissues, bones, and teeth. The dentist may also check for cavities using a device called a transilluminator. It uses no radiation.

The symptoms of a toothache may seem like other health or dental problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider or dentist for a diagnosis.

How is a toothache treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics
• Pain medicine
• Warm saltwater rinses for the mouth
• Tooth removal
• Draining a pus-filled infection (abscess), if needed
• A simple filling, if needed
• Surgery to remove the inflamed pulp from the middle of the tooth (root canal)

If the infection is severe, your child may be treated in a hospital. He or she may need antibiotics through an IV (intravenous) tube.

How can I help prevent a toothache in my child?

Good oral habits can prevent cavities, the leading reason for a toothache. Make sure your child:

• Brushes his or her teeth twice a day
• Flosses daily
• Sees the dentist regularly. The dentist can find and treat cavities early before they cause damage to the pulp. He or she can also give treatments to stop cavities from happening.
• Eats healthy foods, limiting those high in sugar and starch

WE CARE ABOUT OUR PATIENTS!

Dr. Daniel Hall is an expert when it comes to your children’s oral health, and he is eager to offer them the best services in a friendly and warm environment, at the Sunray Pediatric Dentistry clinic.

Contact us to give your child the oral care he or she deserves.