A toothache is uncomfortable for anyone, but it’s especially terrible for little kids. If your child’s tooth hurts, they might have trouble eating certain foods, concentrating at school, and falling asleep at night. This can be confusing and frightening for a child, especially if they are very young. The following information should help you determine what’s causing the toothache and what to discuss with a dentist. In some cases, fillings or oral surgery might be needed to resolve the issue.

4 Reasons Your Child Has a Toothache

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches in kids and can often be resolved with dental fillings. When plaque lingers on the surfaces of the teeth, it will feed on the sugars and starches in the mouth and produce an acid that erodes the enamel. Once that decay has reached the middle layer of the tooth, it can create extreme sensitivity. 

2. Tooth Fractures

Some children can chip or crack their teeth while playing sports, falling down, or eating sticky hard candy. If your child feels pain when biting or chewing food, or when heating hot or cold foods, they could have a fractured tooth. If your child has a small chip or exposed nerve, a dentist might use fillings to repair it. If the chip is larger, however, a crown may be necessary.

3. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common habit among children and can lead to tooth and jaw pain. Kids often clench down on their teeth while they sleep or when they are coping with stress. If your little one grind their teeth, talk to your dentist about fitting them with a mouthguard to wear at night.

4. Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates underneath the gum line. It produces red and puffy gums and tooth pain. Without proper treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other complications. A kids’ dentist can have a look at your child’s teeth and determine if a deep cleaning or another treatment will help.

If your child has a toothache, make an appointment to see a dentist soon. Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage provides comprehensive kids’ dental care services, including cleanings, fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions. These professionals have extensive experience working with kids and treat everyone with compassion and patience. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 274-2525 or visit their website for more information about their services.