Teeth are one of the many parts that make up our bodies. When someone experiences pain it is a sign that something is wrong. The same goes for a toothache, if there is pain present in a tooth it could be a sign of decay or infection. The best thing to do is get ahold of your child’s pediatric dentist to set up an appointment. Sometimes the reason for the pain is not visible to the naked eye so getting his/her dentist to do an exam and x-rays is best.
Below we are going to answer some commonly asked questions about toothaches. Hopefully this will give you more insight on how to move forward if your child is experiencing pain.
Will my child’s cavities heal on their own?
Most tissues on the body can self-heal; teeth are very different and cannot do this. Once the damage has gone below the enamel of the tooth (protective layer) the cavity will only get deeper. At this point it is necessary to make an appointment at a dental office so they can restore the tooth ensuring the decay does not progress any further and go into the nerve of the tooth. The most common way to do this is placing a filling which is a material that protects the tooth from further damage however, only your dentist can determine the best treatment.
It’s just a baby tooth; do we have to fix it?
Yes. Baby teeth are very important. It is common to think because the teeth are going to fall out at some point that they don’t need to be repaired, but this is incorrect. If decay in a baby tooth goes untreated it can cause pain, infection, and even risk of damaging the permanent tooth growing underneath.
What can we do to help prevent decay and pain?
There are multiple things you can do to help prevent decay in your child’s teeth. Start by making an appointment at a Pediatric Dentist by age one. This appointment will serve not only as their first cleaning but will also give you the chance to ask any questions you may have and get more educated on early dental hygiene habits. Being consistent in taking your child to the dentist every six months will give hygienists the opportunity to monitor dental hygiene and check for any signs of decay or beginnings of decay. While at home make sure to limit sugary foods and drinks and save them for special occasions only. Also help them brush and floss every day to help make dental hygiene a lifelong habit.
If you have any questions please call our office, we are happy to help answer any more questions you may have!