When your toddler complains of mouth pain, you want to alleviate it as soon as possible. But that’s easier said than done. There are a multitude of possible causes of children’s tooth pain.
Possible Causes of Toddler Oral Pain
- Tooth decay
- Emerging teeth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Mouth sore or cut
- Sinus pain or earache
- A large fragment of food between two teeth
Examine Your Child’s Mouth
First, take a look at their mouth. If you see swollen gums, it indicates the general area of the problem. A large red bump near the tooth root could indicate an abscess.
If there is swelling in the gums, take your little one in to see our team right away.
You may see a piece of food caught between two teeth. Use a string of floss or a floss pick to remove it. The pain may not go away immediately, but if this was the source, it should go away within a couple of hours.
If your child has a cavity, you may or may not be able to see it. Dr. Ortega at Marcos Ortega DDS can locate small cavities or those hidden between two teeth.
Make an appointment at Marcos Ortega DDS in the unlikely event that your child has a cracked or chipped tooth.
If The Pain Is Caused By Teething
If your child has a runny nose and seems unusually irritable, they might be teething. A cold (not frozen) teething ring can help relieve the pain. You can also gently rub their gums with your finger. You can also let your son or daughter gnaw on a cold carrot or other hard vegetable. Make sure you monitor closely so they don’t bite off a chunk they can choke on.
Note that teething only causes a low-grade fever. If your youngster has a fever over 100 F or diarrhea, take them to a pediatrician right away.
Pediatric Dentist or Pediatrician?
To recap:
If you suspect the pain is caused by a cavity, abscess, or broken tooth, call Marcos Ortega DDS to set up an appointment.
If you can’t see the source of the pain but your child has a high fever, diarrhea, or swelling in the cheek, take them to your pediatrician ASAP.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-860-0032
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103