Toothache

Pediatric HouseCalls Online

DEFINITION

• Pain or discomfort in a tooth.

Causes

• Main Cause: tooth decay.
• Food wedged between the teeth
• Injured tooth.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• If follows a tooth injury, see TOOTH INJURY.

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

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Floss: Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
3. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief.
4. Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice in a wet washcloth to the painful jaw for 20 minutes
5. Expected Course: Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
6. 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 Dentist" symptoms.