If you’re an adult who’s experienced the pangs of a toothache, then you know that this is something you’ll never wish on your kids. An adult can easily identify the cause of toothache and think of a remedy. But a kid’s toothache is difficult to diagnose because you won’t know the cause or the right remedy.
A toothache is a throbbing pain that occurs due to tooth erosion or decay that penetrates the pulp chamber. The chamber contains many nerves and blood vessels that are very sensitive to pain. While some child toothaches go away after some time, others may need a pediatric dentist’s intervention.
There are many reasons why your kid may experience a toothache. Here are five of the common reasons to look for and their solutions.
1. Poor Diet Choice Causes Kid’s Toothaches
Kids are known to snack carelessly and tend to love sugary foods. There are many kinds of foods that are not good for the teeth. If you notice that your child has a toothache that begins suddenly then disappears, think about the food they had eaten a few minutes ago.
One of the foods that cause toothache includes soda. The soft drink is not only sugary but also contains a considerable amount of acid that spells doom for your kid’s oral health. Soda causes enamel erosion, cavities, and staining.
Another worst dental enemy disguised as a delicacy is ice cream. You won’t go with your little one to the park without them demanding ice cream. But behind that sweetness, there’s also severe enamel erosion which graduates to cavities.
Other foods that pose a danger to your kid’s oral health include candy such as peppermints, butterscotches, and sour candy. Hand candy can cause teeth chipping and breaking. Also, avoid fruit drinks and non-nutritious snacks because they cause tooth cavities.
2. Losing Teeth and New Emerging
When baby teeth fall out and your child starts developing adult teeth, it’s normal for them to experience pain and discomfort. The little emerging teeth can become sore. The sensation of air and food particles entering the mouth can cause a lot of sensitivity in the areas.
Losing baby teeth is also another issue associated with aches and anxiety. When baby teeth begin to create a way for permanent adult teeth, they break from the gums and nerve endings. This process causes swelling, redness, and pain.
Sometimes you might also notice some bleeding. Give your child the assurance that this is an important milestone and everything is normal, so they don’t get anxious. You can also consider giving them some pain relievers if the discomfort is unbearable.
3. Bad Brushing Habits
Children are just learning how to brush, and sometimes their parents let them do everything by themselves. While it’s rare for your kid to experience toothache due to poor brushing, not brushing well can be the problem. Poor dental care causes tooth decay due to the accumulation of bacteria.
Some kids end up brushing too hard that the enamel and gums start to wear away. With time, the enamel and the gums become too sensitive, and the child starts to experience pain. Ensure your kids learn how to brush and make their dental care a habit.
Another tooth problem associated with brushing can come as a result of hard bristles on the toothbrush. This problem may cause the gums to start hurting and look red. Make sure you buy a child-friendly toothbrush, so they don’t hurt their gums while brushing.
4. Kid’s Toothache Due to Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth are one of the worst causes of toothache in children. Cracks usually occur in kids with teeth grinding habits or misaligned teeth. When the tooth enamel cracks, they expose the nerves and blood vessels.
A kid with a cracked tooth will experience various symptoms, including pain when chewing. Others experience extreme pain when the temperatures drop, while others have to deal with biting pressure. Sometimes the pain comes and goes, and you might not be able to pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
If the crack or chip in your child’s tooth is very painful and makes your child completely restless, there’s dentistry just for kids that can help. Don’t wait for days before taking your child for dental care because the problem can escalate into an infection.
5. Teeth Cavities
Teeth cavities are very common in children because of poor dental and oral hygiene. Many children don’t know how to take care of their teeth and leave behind food particles when they brush. The particles cause bacteria buildup and decay, which in turn cause cavities.
According to the CDC, 20% of children between age 5 and 11 have untreated tooth decay. The tiny holes in your child’s teeth can wreak havoc and expose your little one to unbearable pain. Make sure you introduce your child to proper oral hygiene at a tender age to keep away cavities.
If not treated, cavities will not only cause children toothache but lead to other severe health problems. The pain can affect the brain or cause heart problems. Protect your child from developing more serious problems by solving tooth decay as soon as you notice signs of trouble.
Help Your Child Maintain Good Oral Hygiene to Prevent Toothache
Most kid’s toothaches are preventable only if you introduce your little one to good oral hygiene at a tender age. Besides oral hygiene, ensure your child eats a healthy diet and stays away from foods that cause toothache and tooth decay. Also, ensure you visit a pediatric dentist regularly to have your child’s teeth checked and prevent problems before they occur.
Don’t let toothache make your child uncomfortable when there are many things you can do to prevent it. Read other articles on this site to learn more important tips and guides.
