There will come a time in your child’s life when they will exhibit signs of experiencing a toothache. As a parent, knowing these signs can help them receive treatment quicker. Understand the signs and symptoms below to know when to contact your dental provider, and continue educating your kids on proper oral hygiene to help prevent toothaches.
Not Eating As Much
One of the more obvious signs you can look for in your child when they have a toothache is a change in eating habits. Your child may not eat at all, or they may turn down the offer of their favorite foods or drinks. Often, they will make faces or cry while they eat because the toothache is very painful. If you notice this behavioral change in your child, there is likely an issue with their oral health.
Swollen Gums or Face
Another sign your child is experiencing a toothache is if their gums or face appear swollen. When a tooth has an infection, the gums surrounding it can swell or even discharge pus, indicating an infection. A fever can be a sign as well—call your dental provider immediately if you notice signs of an infection. It’s important for your child to receive treatment as quickly as possible to stop it from spreading through their bloodstream.
Change in Sleeping Habits
While there are many causes and treatments for toothaches, one sign of pain is fairly consistent, no matter the cause of the ache. Generally, if something in your child’s mouth irritates them, they will lose sleep. When you notice your child frequently waking, unable to stay asleep, or not sleeping at all, this could point to the culprit: a toothache.
Jaw Pain or Face Sensitivity
Did you know that if your child is rubbing their jaw or massaging around their ears, these can both be signs of a toothache? A child might have jaw sensitivity or rub their face constantly because something in their mouth is bothering them. Check their teeth for discoloration or brown spots—these are signs of significant cavities, which can become painful if you do not treat them right away.
Children are at the beginning of their healthy oral hygiene journey, so they may be susceptible to infections and cavities. If you notice any of the above symptoms, check their mouths for additional signs that point to a toothache. Being aware of these symptoms can help you catch these toothaches much faster.