Give us a call so we can schedule your visit as soon as possible. This isn’t usually an emergency, but we don’t want your child to be in pain.
Once you call us, ask your child to point to the exact area that is hurting. Check it for foreign objects that could be causing pain. Loose baby teeth or erupting teeth can also cause pain. Also see if you can spot a small hole underneath the tooth, as this could be a sign of a cavity.
If you notice swelling in your child’s face, use a cold compress and call us as soon as possible. Any swelling related to dental anatomy is very concerning. This could indicate an abcessed tooth or other infection, both of which need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.
To comfort your child, here are some simple remedies to use until you are able to visit us:
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water or salt water.
- Try to floss out and dislodge any food debris that may be impacted and causing pain.
- Apply a cold compress (no heat should be used) or ice wrapped in a cloth.
- Administer ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain. Be sure to follow the recommended age and weight dosage guidelines printed on the bottle.
- Do NOT place aspirin on the gums or on the aching tooth. This can lead to serious burns.