It can be difficult for a parent when their child complains about tooth or mouth pain. Typically, if your child is experiencing pain, the first thing you’ll do is check their mouth to see if you can spot what’s bothering them. But what if you can’t find anything?
Sometimes, an infected, or an abscessed, tooth can be difficult to see with untrained eyes. That’s where your paediatric dentist can help.
Your child’s dentist is there to help your child achieve the healthy smile they deserve. At The Children’s Dental Centre, we are here for all of your child’s dental needs. When it comes to your child’s dental health, a variety of issues can cause an infected tooth, and early detection and treatment are essential to keep your child healthy and happy.
So what can you do if you suspect your child has a tooth infection? In this post, we will cover the signs of kids’ tooth infections, what you should do, and how abscessed teeth are treated.
What is an Abscessed Tooth?
A tooth that is infected is considered to be abscessed. The tooth has a bacterial infection that results in a pocket of pus that collects near the tooth root.
There are two types of tooth abscesses:
- A periapical abscess is a tooth infection that occurs at the tip of the tooth root
- A periodontal abscess is a tooth infection that occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root
If your child has a tooth infection, they will need treatment from their paediatric dentist very soon.
How to Look for the Signs of an Infected Tooth
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your child is experiencing symptoms of an abscessed tooth. Below are a few signs and symptoms your child has an abscess:
- They complain about tooth or mouth pain.
- Their face is swollen.
- Your child has a fever and you have ruled out other causes of fever.
- They complain of a strange taste in the mouth .
- Your child is avoiding food and drinks that are sweet, hot or cold.
- You notice a gum swelling that can sometimes look like a pimple (some call this a gum boil).
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, book an appointment with your child’s paediatric dentist. Your child’s dentist will be trained to spot the signs of an abscessed tooth and can help your child get the treatment they need.
How a Tooth Infection is Treated
In some cases, an antibiotic can be given to treat the infection and reduce the child’s symptoms. If the affected tooth is a baby tooth, they wiil most likely remove the tooth to remove the infection. Once the tooth is removed, the infection can drain out. If the affected tooth is an adult tooth, your child may need a root canal, or extraction.
Following treatment, your child’s dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your child. They can give you tips on how to help manage any residual symptoms while your child continues to heal. If you have any questions about follow-up care for your child, please feel free to contact us at The Children’s Dental Centre.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams & Cleanings
Dental exams and cleanings are an important part of maintaining not only your child’s dental health, but their overall health as well.
The sooner your child begins having regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouth will stay throughout their lives. Checkups can help our dentists spot symptoms early on, preventing cavities and tooth decay, keeping your child as healthy as possible.
Now you are ready to book your child’s next check-up. Our team at The Children’s Dental Centre is always here to help your child achieve a healthy and bright smile. Book their appointment today!
Preventing Future Dental Issues
It is impossible to prevent all the dental issues your child will face throughout their life, but there are certain steps you can take to protect their teeth for the years to come.
Follow these tips to keep your child’s smile healthy:
- Brush your child’s teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your child’s teeth to eliminate trapped food & plaque that can lead to decay and gingivitis.
- Limit sugary food & drinks.
- Schedule regular exams & cleanings for your child.
- Encourage your child to drink lots of water throughout the day to help neutralise the acids that create cavities.
Visit The Children’s Dental Centre
At The Children’s Dental Centre, our staff provides loving and compassionate dental care for all children. Whether or not your child is experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth, it is important that they see their paediatric dentist regularly.Book their next appointment today!