A child with a toothache can quickly turn a normal day into a stressful one for any parent. Whether the pain is sudden or has been building for a few days, it’s important to know how to respond, when to call the dentist, and what might be causing the discomfort. At Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids in Overland Park, KS, we specialize in caring for children’s dental needs with compassion and expertise—especially when emergencies or toothaches arise.
If you’re wondering what to do when your child says their tooth hurts, this guide will walk you through step-by-step.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Ask Questions
First and foremost, remain calm. Children often mirror the emotions of the adults around them, so your calm demeanor can help ease their fear.
Ask your child questions such as:
- When did the pain start?
- Is it sharp, throbbing, or dull?
- Does it hurt more when eating or drinking?
If they’re old enough, they may be able to point out the specific tooth or area that hurts. If the child is very young or non-verbal, look for signs like drooling, face-touching, refusal to eat, or difficulty sleeping.
Step 2: Examine the Mouth and Rinse
Gently examine your child’s mouth. Look for:
- Swelling or redness of the gums
- Visible cavities or holes in the tooth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Food particles stuck between teeth
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water and, if old enough, try a saltwater rinse to reduce inflammation. Carefully floss around the painful tooth to ensure there’s nothing lodged between it.
Step 3: Ease the Discomfort
You can use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling and numb the area. For short-term pain relief, you may offer over-the-counter children’s pain medication—like ibuprofen or acetaminophen—based on their weight and age. Never apply aspirin directly to a tooth or gums, as it can cause chemical burns.
For families searching for a same day kids dentist in Overland Park, Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids offers prompt care for urgent dental issues. We strive to see patients quickly when a toothache can’t wait.
Step 4: Call the Dentist
Even if the pain improves temporarily, a toothache is often a symptom of an underlying issue that needs professional attention. It could be caused by:
- Tooth decay
- A dental abscess or infection
- Gum inflammation
- A loose or erupting tooth
- Injury or trauma
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the issue from becoming worse. Our team is here to help families who need a pediatric dentist in Overland Park with emergency care options, preventive services, and restorative treatments when needed.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
Understanding what might be causing your child’s discomfort helps you better respond:
- Cavities: The leading cause of toothaches in kids. Tooth decay can develop even with regular brushing if diet and hygiene aren’t consistent.
- Emerging Teeth: New teeth coming in, especially molars, can cause temporary discomfort.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Often from falls, accidents, or biting hard foods.
- Infection or Abscess: Requires immediate care to prevent it from spreading.
- Food Impaction: Even healthy snacks like apples or popcorn can become lodged between teeth.
At Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, we provide teeth cleaning for kids in Overland Park as part of our preventive care program to help avoid issues that lead to toothaches.
When It’s an Emergency
Call our office immediately if your child has:
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Persistent or severe pain
- A knocked-out or cracked tooth
- Fever or signs of infection
As a trusted provider of restorative dental care for kids in Overland Park, we’re equipped to handle everything from urgent care to long-term smile solutions.
How to Prevent Future Toothaches
Prevention is key. Help your child:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Attend dental checkups every six months
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
We also emphasize the benefits of fluoride for kids in Overland Park, which helps strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
Caring for Overland Park Smiles
At Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, we understand that every child’s smile is unique—and so is every toothache. Whether your child needs quick relief, ongoing dental care, or reassurance in the dental chair, we’re here to provide it all in a fun, welcoming environment.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, give us a call. We’re proud to be recognized as a provider of best pediatric dentistry in Overland Park and are here to help your child feel better fast.