How to Tell If Your Child’s Tooth Pain Is an Emergency
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin
Reading time: five minutes
Tooth pain is never fun for a child (or for the parent trying to comfort them). But how do you know if it’s something that can wait until morning or if it requires an urgent trip to the dentist?
In this blog, we will walk you through when tooth pain is an emergency, what signs to watch for, and what you can do in the meantime to help your child feel better.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Your child’s tooth pain is an emergency if it includes severe pain, facial swelling, fever, trauma, or uncontrollable bleeding. Pain alone is not always urgent, but if it interferes with eating, sleeping, or comes with signs of infection or injury, call your pediatric dentist. If breathing or swallowing is affected, go to the ER right away.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain in Kids
Toothaches can be caused by a variety of dental and non-dental issues. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Loose or erupting baby teeth
- Food stuck between teeth
- Gum infections or injuries
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Sinus pressure (for upper teeth)
Mild pain from one of these causes may not require immediate treatment. But certain symptoms point to a more serious problem that should be looked at right away.
When Is Tooth Pain an Emergency?
Here are the red flags that suggest you should call your child’s dentist right away or head to an emergency dental clinic:
- Severe or Sudden Pain
If your child is crying, unable to eat, or can’t sleep due to intense tooth pain, it’s a sign that something is wrong. This could point to a deep cavity, an infection, or even a dental abscess that needs immediate care.
- Swelling in the Face or Gums
Swelling around the cheek, jaw, or gums can be a sign of a dental infection. If the swelling is mild and your child is otherwise well, call your pediatric dentist for an urgent appointment. However, if the swelling is spreading quickly, especially toward the eye or neck—or if your child has trouble breathing or swallowing—go to the emergency room right away. These symptoms could point to a serious infection that needs immediate medical attention.
- Fever Alongside Tooth Pain
A fever combined with tooth pain is another sign of infection. This should be treated as a dental emergency, especially if your child is also lethargic or not eating.
- A Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical. Try to place the tooth back in the socket (if possible), or keep it in milk, and get to a dentist within 30 minutes. Even a loose baby tooth should be checked if the injury was sudden or if your child is in pain.
- Bleeding That Will Not Stop
Some bleeding after a dental injury (like biting the tongue or lip, or knocking a tooth) is normal and should stop within 10 to 15 minutes with gentle pressure. If the bleeding continues beyond that, soaks through gauze repeatedly, or seems heavy, it may require emergency care. Call your dentist right away, and if you cannot control the bleeding or your child seems dizzy or pale, go to the nearest ER.
- Pus or a Bump on the Gums
A bump or pimple-like spot on the gums may be a sign of an abscess (a pocket of infection). These are often painful and should be evaluated right away to prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Do Until You Can See a Dentist
If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your pediatric dentist immediately. While you wait for your appointment, you can:
- Offer over-the-counter pain relief (such as children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Keep your child hydrated and avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods
- Encourage gentle rinsing with warm salt water
- Keep the area clean by gently brushing and flossing (if it doesn’t cause pain)
Still not sure if you should go to the ER or wait to see your dentist? Read: Should You Take Your Child to the ER For Tooth Pain?
When Tooth Pain Can Wait
Not all toothaches are emergencies. If the pain is mild and your child is still eating, sleeping, and playing normally, it is usually safe to wait a day or two and call for a non-urgent appointment.
Examples include:
- Minor sensitivity to cold or sweets
- Soreness from braces or orthodontic treatment
- Mild gum irritation from erupting baby teeth or losing a tooth
- Food stuck between teeth that you can gently floss out
| Trust Your GutAs a parent, you know when something is not right. If your child is in pain and you are unsure whether it is an emergency, give Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry a call. Our experienced pediatric dental team is here to listen, talk through your child’s symptoms, and help you decide on the next steps. We are always happy to guide you—even if it is just for peace of mind. |
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco
If your child is experiencing tooth pain and you are unsure what to do, give Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco a call. Our pediatric dental team is here to help you understand what is urgent, what can wait, and how to keep your child comfortable in the meantime.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQs
Stay calm and focus on comfort. You can give your child an age-appropriate dose of pain reliever and help them gently rinse with warm salt water if they are old enough. If there is swelling, use a cold compress. Keep them upright if lying down makes the pain worse. Call you pediatric dentist in the morning if the pain still persists.
Most cavities are not emergencies, but if the pain is severe or your child has swelling, fever, or sensitivity that keeps them from eating or sleeping, it could be a sign of a deeper infection and should be treated right away.
Yes, it is common for baby teeth to feel sore or wiggly before they fall out naturally. However, if the pain is intense or the gum around the tooth looks red, swollen, or infected, it is best to have it checked.
This is a true dental emergency. Try to gently place the tooth back in the socket or store it in milk, and get to a dentist as soon as possible. Do not scrub the tooth or touch the root.
Head to the ER if your child has facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, has a high fever with signs of infection, or seems very sick or weak.