As a parent, it can be hard to tell when your child has a dental issue, especially if they're too young to clearly explain what’s wrong. Toothaches and dental pain in kids aren’t always obvious and can affect their eating, sleep, and behavior. Recognizing the signs early and acting quickly can prevent more serious problems.
Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Babies & Kids
If your baby or young child is experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to seek care from a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating young patients with a gentle, comforting approach. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a child-friendly environment that reduces fear and anxiety, making dental visits more positive and less stressful for both the child and parent. With the right care, even little ones can receive effective treatment for tooth pain while building healthy habits and confidence about future dental visits.
Here’s some great information about how to identify tooth pain in kids, big and small, also when you should contact a dentist.Common Signs Your Kid May Be Experiencing Tooth Pain
- Sensitivity to hot/cold foods or drinks: Teeth may throb or flinch when eating ice cream or drinking cold water.
- Trouble chewing or favoring one side: Your child may avoid crunchy foods or chew only on one side.
- Facial swelling or redness around the jaw: This can indicate infection or inflammation.
- Frequent crying or irritability during meals or bedtime, when discomfort may worsen.
- Refusal to eat, drink, or sleep due to tooth discomfort.
- Complaints of an “ache” or “throbbing” tooth, even if they can’t describe which one.
These symptoms often point to tooth pain, a common issue that may need urgent attention.
Why Your Child Might Be In Pain
Here are several common causes of childhood toothaches:
Cavities or Tooth Decay
Sugar exposure, poor brushing habits, and diet can result in cavities, all leading to pain and discomfort.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Kids who play sports or fall often sustain cracked or fractured teeth, which can expose nerves and cause sharp pain.
Infections or Abscesses
Untreated decay or gum issues can develop into infections, sometimes leading to swelling and fever.
Teething Discomfort
Though more common for babies, pain from erupting teeth can linger and make mealtime or bedtime difficult as new teeth come in.
Tooth Trauma
A knock to the mouth, such as during play or a bike fall, can cause bruised, shifted, or even knocked-out teeth.
When Tooth Pain Becomes an Emergency
Not all toothaches require rushing to the dentist, but you should consider a visit if your child experiences:
- Pain lasting more than 30 minutes.
- Facial swelling, fever, or general unwell feeling.
- Bleeding from the gums or mouth.
- Visible cracks in teeth or a knocked-out tooth.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
These warning signs fall under dental emergencies for kids and require an emergency visit to the dentist. In Vancouver? Call us immediately if your child is experiencing a dental emergency.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
1. Conduct Gentle First Aid
For mild pain, rinse your child’s mouth with warm salt water and offer a child-safe pain reliever like acetaminophen (following dosage guidelines).
2. Cold Compress for Swelling
Place a wrapped cold compress on the cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.
3. Avoid Chewy or Sticky Foods
Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or spicy items until your child is seen by a dentist.
4. Locate the Source
If your child can point out the painful area, note which tooth it is, and whether the pain is sharp, dull, or throbbing.
When to Visit the Emergency Dentist
Contact Vancouver Emergency Dentist immediately if your child shows:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Facial swelling or fever
- Bleeding, broken, or knocked-out teeth
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or sleeping due to discomfort
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
When you visit, our dentist will:
- Perform an exam, possibly with X‑rays, to assess decay, trauma, or infection.
- Treat mild cavities with fillings.
- Place crowns for cracked or heavily decayed teeth.
- Perform root canal therapy if pulp damage or infection is present.
- Extract the tooth if it’s too damaged, but replace it if it’s permanent.
Even a baby tooth may need intervention to prevent infection or misalignment later on.
Preventive Steps to Avoid Future Pain
- Ensure brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Split sugary snacks across meals instead of constant snacking.
- Schedule regular dental checkups twice a year.
- Use mouthguards for sports.
- Watch for thumb-sucking or bruxism habits.
Preventive care is key to reducing the risk of painful and stressful emergencies.
Need Help Right Now?
If your child is in pain, don’t wait. Visit our Tooth Pain page for more information, or call us to request a same-day appointment, categorizing their issue under Dental Emergencies for Kids.
Your child's comfort, health, and peace of mind are our top priority—contact us today.