A toothache might seem like a small issue, but for a child, even a little bit of pain can feel really big. And for parents, it’s tough to see your little one hurting, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it.
What’s Causing Your Child’s Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain can happen for many reasons. Some are easy to spot, like a cavity. Others, like a piece of food stuck between teeth or a new tooth coming in, are less obvious.
Figuring out what’s behind the discomfort is the first step to helping your little one feel better. These are some of the most common causes in children:
Cavities: Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth pain in kids. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. If left untreated, the decay can reach deeper layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity or sharp pain, especially when eating sweets or drinking something cold.
Gum issues: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums may be a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis) or irritation caused by plaque buildup and poor brushing habits. Gum discomfort can feel like tooth pain, especially along the gumline.
Teething: For infants and toddlers, erupting teeth can cause a lot of discomfort as they break through the gums. Even older children can feel achy and sore when molars or other permanent teeth begin to come in.
Food stuck between teeth: Surprisingly, something as small as a popcorn kernel or bit of stringy meat can cause a lot of discomfort if it gets wedged between teeth or under the gumline. Gentle flossing often solves the problem.
Dental trauma: If your child recently fell or bumped their mouth, they may have a bruised, chipped, or cracked tooth, even if it looks okay on the outside. Sometimes the pain doesn’t show up right away. Be on the lookout for signs like sensitivity to pressure, changes in tooth color, or swelling around the area.
If your child complains of a sore tooth, try to get a sense of where it hurts and when it started. Ask if anything makes it feel better or worse. Then take a look—gently check for swelling, redness, visible holes, or dark spots. Even if you don’t see anything obvious, it’s still a good idea to call your pediatric dentist.
At-Home Tips to Ease the Pain
While a visit to your pediatric dentist is the best way to treat the cause of a toothache, there are a few simple things you can do at home to help your child feel more comfortable in the meantime. These gentle, low-stress remedies can help reduce pain or swelling, and are especially helpful when the discomfort starts after hours or when you’re waiting for an upcoming appointment.
Try a warm saltwater rinse.
If your child is old enough to swish and spit, a warm saltwater rinse can be a great first step. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and have them gently swish it around their mouth. It can help reduce inflammation, loosen debris, and soothe irritated gums.
Gently clean around the area.
Sometimes, pain is caused by something simple, like food caught between the teeth. If your child is comfortable with it, gently brush and floss around the sore spot using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even a small bit of trapped food can cause a surprising amount of discomfort.
Apply a cold compress.
If there’s any swelling, a cold compress can make a big difference. Hold a towel-wrapped ice pack or a bag of frozen peas against the outside of their cheek for 15 to 20 minutes. The cold helps numb the area and bring down inflammation.
Use children’s pain relievers if needed.
For more persistent discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever like children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief. Always follow the dosage instructions for your child’s age and weight, and check with your pediatrician or dentist if you have any questions.
Offer soft, bland foods.
Stick with foods that are easy to chew and won’t irritate the sore area—mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, scrambled eggs, or oatmeal are good options. Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or acidic until the pain goes away. If your child doesn’t feel like eating much, that’s okay. Encourage small sips of water and gentle snacks until their appetite returns.
When to Call Your Pediatric Dentist
Not all toothaches need immediate dental treatment. Some minor toothaches go away within a day, especially if related to teething or irritation. But if the pain sticks around or gets worse, it’s important to have it checked out. Call us if:
- The pain lasts longer than 24 hours.
- There’s swelling in the face or jaw.
- Your child develops a fever.
- You notice a visible hole, crack, or pimple-like bump on the gums.
- The pain is sudden and intense.
- Your child can’t eat or sleep comfortably.
Most toothaches can wait for a regular visit, but not all. If something feels urgent or your child is in serious pain, it’s worth knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency.
Even if you’re not sure whether it’s urgent, trust your instincts. It’s always okay to call your dentist and ask.
If you’re in the Fleming Island, FL area, and your child is having tooth pain, call 904-215-7800 or schedule an appointment with Growing Healthy Smiles. Our team is here to help your child feel better as quickly and gently as possible.