Toothache
Definition
- Pain or discomfort in a tooth
Call or Return If
- Toothache lasts more than 24 hours
- The toothache gets worse
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Note: If your child has a dentist, call them instead of your doctor
About This Topic
Causes
- Main cause: tooth decay
- Food wedged between the teeth
- Injured tooth
Tooth Abscess and Severe Pain
- A tooth abscess is an infection within and around the tooth. It can cause severe pain not helped by normal pain medicines.
- Root canal therapy is needed to cure this problem. Root canals are done by a special dentist called an endodontist. Your child's regular dentist can refer you to one.
- In the meantime, call your dentist's office. The pain can usually be brought under control with an antibiotic drug by mouth. Most often, this is penicillin.
After Care Advice
Overview:
- Most toothaches don't last too long. They are due to a sensitive tooth.
- If the pain becomes worse or doesn't go away, call your dentist. The pain could be due to a small cavity.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Floss:
- Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
Cold Pack:
- Put a cold pack or ice in a wet washcloth on the painful jaw. Do this for 20 minutes.
Antibiotic by Mouth:
- An antibiotic may be prescribed if a tooth abscess is suspected.
- This medicine will kill the bacteria deep in the tooth.
- Give the antibiotic as directed.
- Try not to forget any of the doses.
What to Expect:
- Most minor causes of toothache go away in less than a day.
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
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