Tips for Toothaches

Tips for Toothaches

March 6, 2017 / in childrens emergency dentist / by FWCD-Admin
Dentist

There are many reasons you or your child may be experiencing a toothache. A morsel of food may be caught between teeth (this is where daily flossing comes in very handy); gum irritation; a tooth may be impacted; dental decay may be present; or your child may be suffering from one or more teeth erupting. Very often there is an easy solution, but for more serious issues a visit with your children’s emergency dentist may be in order.

For erupting teeth, there are oral applications that can ease discomfort when placed on gum tissue where teeth are coming in. A medication free option is to freeze a teether designed for this problem … letting your child chew on this offers comfort.

You and your children should be flossing daily. This should remove food debris that may be caught. But more importantly this daily action also helps keep plaque from building. Teaching your child to floss is important, and letting them watch you floss teaches them how to floss as well as sets a great example.

Erupting teeth is something everyone experiences; but an impacted tooth often occurs when there is insufficient space for a tooth to come in. This is very common for wisdom teeth but can affect other teeth as well resulting in overcrowding and pushing teeth outward or inward. In either case, the occlusion is affected.

Dental decay is a primary cause for a toothache. There are a couple of tools your family dentist  can offer such as fluoride treatments to strengthen dental enamel; and for teeth that have not already experienced a cavity, there are dental sealants. Sealants are painted on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth providing a barrier where dental decay often starts.

Dental emergencies arising from a toothache can be traumatic for the patient and family members. This is why children should begin seeing their dentist around the age of twelve months. Not only is the child examined at this early appointment for assurance that all is proceeding normally with their oral health, but regular visits allow the child to become acclimated with the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. This makes needed visits less intimidating.

Emergencies can occur for many reasons, but to help limit visits with the children’s emergency dentist encourage daily brushing, flossing, and make sure your child sees their family dentist every six months.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!