CHILDREN’S HEALTH: TOOTHACHE
April 28th, 2009 | Posted by admin | Category: General healthNo Comments
In common with earaches and the onset of labor, children’s toothaches always happen at the least convenient time – after pharmacists have closed their doors and doctors and dentists have closed their offices. A toothache can be caused by an injury to a tooth, an infection between the gum and the tooth, or an abscess of the root of the tooth due to extension of a cavity (even a filled one) into the tooth’s pulp.
Signs and symptoms
The source of a toothache is obvious if the gum near the tooth is red, swollen, and tender, or if a cavity is visible. If the source of the pain is in doubt, tapping gently with a tongue depressor or the handle of a spoon will cause sharp pain in the tooth responsible.
Home care
Temporary treatment is to ease the pain of the toothache with aspirin or paracetamol. An ice pack on the jaw may help, but heat may make the toothache worse. Call your dentist.
Part of home treatment is prevention. Your child should see a dentist regularly, beginning at age two or three. The child should brush his or her teeth at least daily and use dental floss. Through adolescence, fluoride must be provided each day. If you live in an area where the water is not fluoridated, supplementary fluoride is needed. Talk to your dentist about this.
Precautions
• Take your child to a dentist regularly to avoid any emergency situation involving a toothache.
• Do not apply heat to the site of a toothache.
Medical treatment
Your doctor may prescribe a pain killer or an antibiotic if an infection is present, but treatment of the tooth is left to the dentist.
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