5 Signs Your Child’s Toothache is a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be scary, especially when it comes to children. Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, and knowing when to seek urgent dental care can be confusing. As a parent, it’s essential to recognize the signs that your child’s toothache is a dental emergency.  In this blog post, we’ll discuss five common signs that your child needs to see a dentist for kids immediately:

1. Severe Pain or Swelling

Severe pain or swelling around a tooth is a clear sign that your child needs to see a dentist for kids immediately. Pain that affects your child’s ability to eat, drink, or sleep is a red flag. Swelling around the tooth or in the gums can indicate an infection that requires prompt attention. A dentist for kids can identify the source of the pain and provide appropriate treatment to relieve your child’s discomfort.

2. High Fever

If your child has a toothache accompanied by a high fever, it’s essential to seek urgent dental care. A fever signifies that the body is fighting an infection, and a toothache can be the source of the infection. A dentist for kids can evaluate your child’s tooth and determine if an infection is present. If needed, they may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and keep it from spreading.

3. Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding or discharge from your gums or around a tooth can signify a dental emergency. A toothache that is accompanied by blood or pus is often an indication of an infection that requires immediate attention from a dentist for kids. If untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and even the body. A dentist for kids can check the tooth and surrounding tissues to determine the source of the bleeding or discharge and provide appropriate treatment.

4. Broken Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can indeed be painful and increase the risk of infection. If your kid has a broken or chipped tooth, it’s essential to seek urgent dental care. An emergency dentist for kids can examine the extent of the damage and give the best course of treatment. In a few cases, a broken tooth may require a crown or a root canal to prevent further damage and preserve the tooth. In others, though, an extraction might be necessary.

5. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

If your child is experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking due to a toothache, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Toothaches can affect the alignment of the teeth, making it hard to bite and chew properly. Additionally, a toothache can cause pain when speaking, making it difficult to communicate effectively. A dentist for kids can evaluate your child’s teeth and provide the right treatment to alleviate the pain and restore proper function.

Dental Emergencies

As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your child’s toothache is a dental emergency. Severe pain, swelling, high fever, bleeding or discharge, broken teeth, and difficulty chewing or speaking are all signs that your child needs to see a dentist for kids immediately.  While it could be nerve-wracking for both you and your child to visit a dentist, especially if it’s beyond business hours, it’s crucial that you do it. Delaying dental treatment can result in further complications and even tooth loss. If your child is experiencing a toothache, don’t hesitate to seek urgent dental care from a qualified dentist for kids in Bend, Oregon. Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry has been Bend’s top-rated pediatric dental clinic since 2005. We have been providing expert dental services for children, including infants and toddlers, and ensure they get the best possible care. Schedule yout child’s appointment with the best pediatric dentist in Bend, Oregon, today! Enjoy out Eastside Bend location as well as our Redmond location where we make big impacts on little smiles.