Tooth Pain and Sensitivity in Kids
A child’s toothache can be tough for a parent to witness. Learn how you can recognize tooth pain, how it develops, and solutions for taking care of your family and loved ones.
What Are The Symptoms Of Child Tooth Pain?
If your child is experiencing issues with their mouth, it might be a sign that they’re going through a toothache. Some causes of this pain might include:1
- Tooth decay
- Dental abscess
- Cracked enamel
- Gum disease
- Stuck food
Key Risk Factors for Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth pain, and 45% of children in America will experience tooth decay by the time they reach the age of nineteen.2 Key factors for tooth decay among children and babies include: high sugar diets and frequent snacking,2 such as putting babies to sleep with a bottle filled with breastmilk, formula or juice.3 These drinks may contain sugar that stays on the baby’s teeth, leading to tooth decay.3 In addition, testing temperature of milk in bottles with one’s mouth can pass bacteria from parent to child through the saliva.3
Many babies suck their thumbs or a pacifier to feel secure, which is a normal reflex between the ages of 2 and 4.3 If your baby uses a pacifier, be sure to clean it daily with soap and water and replace it if it becomes worn.3
How to Prevent Toothaches and Tooth Decay from a Child’s First Teeth
Good oral health is linked to a child’s overall health and well-being.4 This can begin with primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, which are vital to a child’s development.4 Not only do primary teeth maintain space for when a child’s permanent teeth set in,4 but, primary teeth also help with the development of speech and self-confidence through full vocalization and healthy smiles.4
However, tooth decay in primary teeth can lead to infections that can spread to other areas in the head and neck. This may lead to fever, pain or swelling.4
Parents can help prevent tooth pain or decay in their children with good oral habits, such as:2
- Serving water in between meals
- Limiting juice or fruit intake
- Leading by example: serving as role models by brushing and flossing regularly
- Regular visits with pediatricians and finding a dental home by the age of one
Brushing a child's teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride is vital to preventing dental issues.2 Try Pronamel Kids, which has a low abrasive formula that is gentle on little mouths. It provides 24/7 cavity protection* to help keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong. It’s designed by dentists, formulated for children.
*Follow a healthy diet and brush twice daily. (Level of protection may decrease between brushing)
Source Citations:
- Toothache. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Toothache/. Accessed 9/23/2024.
- AAP Identifies Key Risk Factors for Tooth Decay in Children. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/aap-identifies-key-risk-factors-for-tooth-decay-in-children.aspx/. Accessed 9/23/2024.
- Brush Up on Oral Health. Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/oral-health/brush-oral-health/brush-oral-health/. Accessed 9/23/2024.
- Understanding Why Primary Teeth Are Important. Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/oral-health/brush-oral-health/understanding-why-primary-teeth-are-important/. Accessed 9/23/2024.
