Toothache

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

Definition

Causes

Tooth Abscess and Severe Pain

A tooth abscess can cause severe pain not controlled by non-prescription pain medicines.
Root canal therapy by an endodontist is needed to cure this problem.
In the meantime, if your child's dental office is closed, your doctor or dentist can bring the pain under control within hours by calling in a prescription for penicillin or amoxicillin.

If not, see these topics

When to Call Your Doctor

	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 You think your child needs to be seen urgently
	Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently Toothache present over 24 hours Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth Red or yellow lump present at the gumline of the painful tooth
	Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Mild toothache present less than 24 hours and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD TOOTHACHE

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.

Toothache
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