- Why Choose Tooth Suite?
- Dental Services
- New Patients
- Tooth Suite Dental Team
- Appointments
- Blog
- Contact Us
If you're enrolled in the CDCP program, it's time to renew your coverage—and if you're between the ages of 18 and 65 and qualify, the program will open to you starting May 2025. click here for details.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), click here to learn more
When your child wakes up in the middle of the night in tears with tooth pain, it is a helpless and scary feeling. You’re left to comfort them while also worrying about the source of the pain.
For parents, nothing is worse than seeing their child in pain and not knowing what to do next.
There are numerous reasons a child may have a toothache, including cavities, an infection or abscess, or a loose tooth. Knowing how to respond can help you determine the next best steps.
If you are looking for Children’s Dentistry Near You, here is what you need to know to quickly help your child feel better and prevent future issues.
What Are the Reasons a Child Will Have Tooth Pain?
Toothache will be different in children, ranging from minor issues to significant problems. Some common reasons are:
- Tooth decay: Cavities will cause some pain.
- Loose or erupting teeth: A baby, toddler, or child will be experiencing pain because their teeth are coming in, or they may have a loose tooth.
- Gum Infection: A common reason for tooth pain is an infection in the gum area, most likely due to poor hygiene habits or food that has become lodged in the gums.
- Tooth injury: A Significant injury to a tooth will happen when children fall or otherwise accidentally injure their tooth.
Some early signs are crying, not wanting to eat, swelling of their face, or trouble sleeping. Be sure to notice the early signs and identify the source of the pain so proper Dental Care for Children can be established.
What Should You Do Immediately?
If your child complains about a toothache, follow these steps:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This helps clean the mouth and reduce swelling.
- Cold Compress: Place it on the outside of the cheek for 15-minute intervals.
- Pain Relief (If Needed): Over-the-counter children’s pain medicine (only as advised).
- Check for Debris: Sometimes food is stuck between teeth, causing pain.
However, these are only temporary fixes. It’s important to schedule an appointment with a qualified Pediatric Dentist as soon as possible.
When Should You See a Pediatric Dentist?
If your child’s pain lasts more than a day or is severe, don’t delay. Persistent pain, swelling, or fever may signal infection.
In such cases, Pediatric Dental Services are necessary to treat the root cause professionally. A trained dentist in Lloydminster can examine the tooth and provide the right care for your child’s specific needs.
At-Home Tips for Comfort Until the Appointment
While waiting for your child’s dental visit, you can manage the pain using simple home remedies:
- Avoid Cold or Hot Foods: These may trigger sensitivity.
- Soft Diet: Offer smoothies, yogurt, or soup.
- Distraction: Reading, music, or movies can help keep them calm.
- Regular Brushing: Gentle cleaning avoids bacteria buildup.
These comfort tips don’t replace treatment, but can reduce discomfort while you wait for professional care.
How Can You Prevent Toothaches in the Future?
Prevention is always better than a cure. Here’s how you can avoid future problems:
- Daily Brushing & Flossing: Teach proper technique early.
- Regular Dental Visits: A Child Dental Clinic visit every six months helps.
- Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks: Excess sugar fuels bacteria and leads to decay.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
Children’s Dentistry in Lloydminster focuses on prevention through early education, routine check-ups, and keeping dental visits stress-free.
Why Choose Pediatric Dental Care?
Children’s teeth are constantly changing and need special attention. A Pediatric Dentist is trained to manage young patients, using child-friendly tools and techniques. From baby teeth to teenage orthodontic care, Pediatric Dental Services is built around growing smiles.
If your child is anxious or uncooperative, pediatric clinics know how to create a safe, relaxed environment that encourages trust and cooperation.
Is It an Emergency?
Sometimes, toothaches are more serious than they seem. If your child has:
- Severe swelling in the face
- High fever
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Difficulty eating or drinking
Seek emergency dental care immediately. These signs may indicate a serious infection that needs fast treatment.
Don’t Wait Until the Pain Gets Worse
Tooth pain can get worse fast, and untreated problems may damage permanent teeth or lead to serious infections. The earlier it’s treated, the better the outcome.
Final Thoughts
Toothaches in children are more than just discomfort; they can lead to major dental issues if not addressed quickly. Even if the pain comes and goes, it shouldn’t be ignored. Early action is the key to preventing long-term damage, and it’s your responsibility as a parent to respond promptly and wisely. The longer the wait, the more complicated the treatment can become.
If your child is showing signs of pain, don’t take chances.
A Healthy Smile Starts Early
Schedule their visit with Tooth Suite Family Dentistry before it’s too late.
Disclaimer
Dr. Marianne Stelmaschuk is a Lloydminster General Dentist. She is not a specialist in Cosmetic or Family Dentistry. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are not specialties recognized by the Alberta Dental Association & College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). She provides Cosmetic and Family Dental procedures such as Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Invisalign, and Teeth Whitening as part of her General Dentistry license. As a Lloydminster Family Dentist, she provides General Dental procedures for all ages within the family. Dr. Prabhjot Singh is a licensed Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and can offer Oral Maxillofacial specialty services as part of his license.
