Common Reasons for Your Child’s Toothache

Toothaches are a common symptom of dental disease and almost everyone will experience tooth pain at some point in their life. Toothaches are known for coming out of nowhere and being difficult to relieve. Here at Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, we want to go over a few of the reasons why your child may be experiencing a toothache and what you can do to help him or her relieve the pain.

Common Reasons for Your Child’s Tooth Pain

Below are a few common reasons why your child may have a toothache:

• Dental cavities – One of the most common causes of a toothache is the formation of a dental cavity. The early stages of a cavity may not include any pain, but as the cavity goes untreated, it will deepen, causing sensitivity and pain. Bringing your child in for regular checkups can allow us to catch cavities in the early stages before pain becomes a factor.
• Bruxism – Bruxism is the official term for the grinding and clenching of the teeth during sleep. Most people grind their teeth during sleep as a response to stress, but it can also be a symptom of certain sleep disorders. Luckily, we can fit your child with a custom night guard to prevent damage from being done to the teeth while your child is sleeping.
• Cracked tooth – You would think that a cracked tooth would be obvious, but sometimes a crack can occur deep enough inside the tooth that it isn’t readily visible. If you suspect that your child has cracked a tooth, please visit our office before the crack has a chance to worsen.
• Gum recession – If your child is brushing his or her teeth too roughly, damage may be caused to the gum tissue. As the gums become irritated, they may begin to recede, exposing the nerves of the teeth and causing pain and sensitivity. Make sure your child brushes gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If your child is experiencing a toothache, please don’t wait to bring them to Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry. The sooner we can diagnose and treat a dental problem, the better. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Dover, New Hampshire child’s dental office today.