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Richard N. Benjamin, D.D.S.
Christy M. Benjamin, D.M.D.

907 Lincoln Ave. Prospect Park, PA 19076(610) 583-5052
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Posts for tag: toothache

Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache

By Richard N. Benjamin, D.D.S., P.C.
May 09, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: pediatric dentistry   toothache  
SimpleStepstoFollowifYourChildhasaToothache

"Mom, my tooth hurts" isn't something you look forward to hearing your child say. But tooth pain is as common as other childhood ailments, so you may have to face it. Here are a few simple steps to make it easier.

First, ask your child where in the mouth it hurts and, if they can, tell you how long it's been hurting. Children's memories aren't always accurate, but you can still get a general idea that you can communicate with your dentist if you take them in.

Next, look in their mouth for anything out of the ordinary: gum swelling or bleeding, or dark spots on the teeth indicative of tooth decay. Look also for hard food particles like popcorn kernels caught between the teeth, which could be causing the pain. Gently floss between the teeth (even if you can't see anything) to remove any caught particles.

You'll also want to help ease their pain. You can apply an ice pack against the painful side of the jaw. Don't place ice directly on the skin, but use a container or cloth alternately against the jaw for a minute or so, and then away for a minute. You can also give them a dose of mild pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen appropriate for their age and weight—but never rub aspirin or other pain relievers on the gums, which tend to be acidic and can burn the skin.

Finally, you'll need to decide if you need to see a dentist and how soon. It might not be necessary with situations like the trapped food particles, but most of the time it's wise to have your dentist perform an examination for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As to how soon, try to see the dentist immediately if the pain has continued from one day to the next or has kept your child up overnight. Otherwise, book an appointment for as soon as the dentist advises, even if the pain subsides.

A toothache at any age is never pleasant, but especially for children. Knowing these steps will help ease their discomfort and get them the relief and treatment they need.

If you would like more information on dental care for children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “A Child's Toothache: Have a Dental Exam to Figure out the Real Cause.”

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • November (3)
        • Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
      • October (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
        • Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
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        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
      • August (3)
        • Sedation can Make Dental Treatment Easier for High Anxiety Patients
        • 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
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        • To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
        • Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
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        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
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        • Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
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        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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        • Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
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        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • 4 Tips to Prevent Childhood Tooth Decay
        • Not Jazzed About Wearing Braces? Consider Clear Aligners Instead
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        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
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  • 2018
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        • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
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        • Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
        • Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
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        • Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
        • Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
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        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
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      • January (3)
        • Early Action Needed to Save Your Tooth from Root Resorption
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  • 2017
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        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
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        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
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        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
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      • November (2)
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Dr. Richard Benjamin and Dr. Christy Benjamin

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Prospect Park, PA 19076
(610) 583-5052

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