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Does this describe your child's symptoms?
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Definition
- Pain or discomfort in a tooth
- Not due to an injury
Causes - Main Cause: tooth decay
- Food wedged between the teeth
- Injured tooth
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If not, see these topics
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| Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If |
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Fever is present
- Face is swollen
- Severe pain and not improved 2 hours after taking pain medicine
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| Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Toothache present over 24 hours
- Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth
- Red or yellow lump present at the gumline of the painful tooth
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| Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If |
- You have other questions or concerns
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| Parent Care at Home If |
- Mild toothache present less than 24 hours and you don't think your child needs to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD TOOTHACHE
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- Reassurance: Most toothaches are temporary and due to a sensitive tooth. If the pain becomes worse or doesn't resolve in 24 hours, it could be due to a small cavity.
- Floss: Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
- Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice in a wet washcloth to the painful jaw for 20 minutes.
- Expected Course: Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
- Call Your Dentist If:
- Toothache persists over 24 hours
- The toothache becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009
Last Revised: 8/6/2007
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online
Copyright 1994-2009 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
