What To Do If Your Toddler Complains of Toothache? 

What to do if your toddler complains of toothache? First, relax, and ask the kid to show you the exact location of the toothache. You can check their mouth, brush the area with the kid’s toothpaste, and book an appointment with the dentist if they still complain. 

Toddlers may complain of toothache because of cavities or injury; in any case, it’s best to book an appointment with the dentist to rule out the possibility of any underlying issue. 

Read on for more information. 

Why Do My Toddler Teeth Hurt? 

Photo by Ylanite Koppens

The first time your toddler complains of pain, you may let it go, as it could be a pointy food item stuck in the tooth. But, when the pain doesn’t go away, you may be curious to know what’s happening. 

There are many reasons your toddler teeth may hurt: 

• Cavities are causing the pain! 
• There is a crack on the tooth. 
• There is an issue with the gum. 
• A pointy food item, for example, chips, is stuck in the tooth, causing sharp pain. 
• There is an injury; for example, the toddler fell and hurt the tooth. 

In any case, it’s best to assess the situation, and if nothing helps or the toddler seems to be in too much pain, it’s best to call your dentist. You can consider taking the child to a dental emergency if it seems urgent. 

How Can I Help My Toddler with Toothache? 

First and foremost, never take oral health lightly. Whether it’s for yourself or your child, you must care for your and their’s teeth and gums. 

Always brush your kids’ teeth and teach them the importance of oral health care. You can help the kids until 9; after that, they are independent enough to help themselves. 

But, when it comes to toddlers, you have to guide them. If you spot a cavity or the toddler complains of pain, book an appointment with the dentist. Meanwhile, ask your dentist or family doctor if it’s okay to give over-the-counter medicines to your children for toothache during such times. 

The dentist can do a thorough checkup and will let you know what’s happening! 

What to Expect If Toothache Doesn’t Go Away for Toddler? 

Let’s say you try home remedies, but only the safe ones for the toddler, and nothing helps; then only a dentist can guide you better. 

The dentist can take X-rays to see what’s going on with your kid’s oral health. If you neglect your child’s oral health or if the kid consumes a lot of sweets, there will be cavities. 

The cavities could be mild or bad. The dentist may recommend silver diamine fluoride if the cavities are at the beginning stage. However, it may not be a viable solution for all toddlers. Some kids may need a root canal or crown, and in extreme cases, an extraction could be necessary. 

So, it all depends on the relevant case. The dentist may want to consider general anesthesia if the toddler is young and uncooperative. So, it could be challenging for the parents of the toddlers. However there are also other sedation options, but these are mostly for older kids who cooperate. You can talk to your dentist and see what they have to say! 

Tips to Keep In Mind for Toddlers’ Teeth

Toddlers’ teeth are baby teeth, the first set of teeth humans get. But it doesn’t mean it’s useless. In fact, baby teeth are important for the adult teeth. 

Consider the following: 

• Always brush your toddler’s teeth. The toddler may resist and may even hate brushing their teeth. But, you must remain calm and work on techniques that make brushing enjoyable for the kids. 
• Ask your dentist to help you teach some techniques if your toddler doesn’t cooperate while brushing the teeth. 
• Reward your children for brushing their teeth and make it a habit so that they start taking oral health seriously. 
• Make it a family ritual to brush your teeth together. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. 
• Look into bamboo toothbrushes and ask your dentist if it’s okay to buy them in bulk for your children. 
• Book an appointment with the dentist for professional cleaning of your toddler’s teeth. Even though you are trying your best, it doesn’t hurt to let the professional clean your toddler’s mouth. 
• Never miss an appointment. If you’ve to, then reschedule it for as soon as you can! 

Your kids follow in your footsteps. No matter how much you teach them, they learn by observing you. So, make sure that you are taking your oral health seriously. 

FAQs

What can I do if my toddler hates brushing teeth?

Talk to your dentist and your kid’s favorite person. They may listen to the dentist or their favorite person. Buy a colorful toothbrush or of their favorite cartoon character. Lead by example and show your kids the correct way of brushing their teeth. Make it a habit so they find it hard to skip brushing their teeth before bedtime. 

What to do if my toddler complains of toothache but there are no visible cavities?

Your toddler may complain of toothache, but there could be no visible cavities, which is why it’s best to let the dentist check. The dentist can take an X-ray or use special tools to see what’s happening. It could be a small cavity that’s causing the pain every time the toddler eats some sweets. 

What is the best tip if a toddler complains of toothache? 

If toddler complains of toothache every time they eat something sweet, it’s time to put an end to sugar! The sugary food is not good for the child’s teeth. Also, ask your dentist to guide you in the right direction. At times, the parents don’t know what’s good for small kids, and they may let them consume lots of chocolate and candies, which is not good for the child’s health and teeth. Always know what’s recommended amount of sugar for the toddler and never exceed that! 

Wrapping It Up 

Your little bundle of joy may complain of toothache, and it’s best to consult the dentist. Your dentist knows what’s best! You may try brushing the teeth, giving a safe painkiller, and maybe safe DIYs, but it’s always best to rely on the recommendations of your dentist.