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!

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Children are very active and prone to dental emergencies.

If you’ve found yourself in an emergency, we know that it can be overwhelming, but know that you’ll never have to go through it on your own. At The Children’s Dental Centre, our knowledgeable and experienced team is always here to help!

If you are currently having an emergency, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Please call us at 416-252-KIDS (5437), and we can give you instructions on what to do until you can see us.

Just looking for information on dental emergencies to be prepared? Well, you are in the right place! Keep reading to learn more about some common dental emergencies your child can experience and what to do when it’s happening. 

When to Seek Emergency Care

We know that when it comes to your child, you’ll do anything to keep them safe. Sometimes emergencies are out of your control and can happen unexpectedly. At The Children’s Dental Centre we see all sorts of dental accidents. From bouncy castle bumps to a slip in the bathtub– we’ve got you covered! 

Dental trauma (tooth fractures) and dental infections are typically the most common types of dental care requiring immediate care, however, if you are unsure if your child needs emergency care, feel free to give us a call. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately:

• Swelling in the mouth 
• Swelling of the cheek or face
• Chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
• Trauma to the cheeks, jaws, or lips
• Bleeding or aching gums
• Dental pain

Why Is Emergency Dental Care Important?

If your child is having a dental emergency, it is important that they have a dentist check them soon. Seeing their dentist immediately is important for the following reasons:

• Your child can avoid experiencing unnecessary pain
• There is a better chance of saving your child’s teeth 
• Immediate care can reduce the risk of infection
• We may be able to  prevent further damage to your child’s teeth & oral tissues

Common Dental Emergencies & What to Do 

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and it can be upsetting to both the parents and to the child. These surprise situations often happen in the evening or on the weekends, when it may be difficult to find some advice.  At The Children’s Dental Centre, we offer an after hours emergency call line.  A quick call to 647-613-KIDS (5437) may help relieve that   immediate anxiety that a parent may be feeling.

Here are the top 3 common dental emergencies and what you should do until you can see the dentist.

Knocked Out, Chipped or Broken Teeth 

Every parent worries about their child knocking out some teeth. If this unfortunate event happens to your child, the first step is to control the bleeding. If the tooth that fell out is a baby tooth, DO NOT place it back in the child’s mouth. The dentist will explain why you NEVER want to put a baby tooth back in the mouth if it is knocked out. If the child’s permanent tooth was knocked out and there is no risk of choking, gently clean off any debris, and try placing the tooth back in the socket until you can see your dentist. If not, keep the tooth in a glass of cold milk. This can help to preserve the tooth and your child’s dentist will have a better chance of replanting it. Call The Children’s Dental Centre, and we can advise you on the next steps.

A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth can happen quite easily. Something as simple as a sports ball to the face, or a fall, can end up damaging their teeth. Check to see if the tooth has any pink showing. Pink colour on the white enamel may be residual blood from the injury, or it could be an exposed nerve. If the nerve is exposed, the tooth may require a root canal. No matter how your child damaged their tooth, it is important to get it looked at right away.

Before heading to the dentist make sure to rinse out your child’s mouth with water, and look for any signs of swelling or bleeding. To ease your child’s pain you can give them a dose of  children’s Tylenol or children’s ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). A cold compress on their cheek where the injury has occured may ease the pain as well.

Dental Infection

Dental infections can sometimes be difficult for a parent to spot. Some children may not exhibit pain, however the root of the tooth is infected below the gums. One sign of infection is a fever for some unknown reason. If other illnesses can be ruled out, then there may be an infected tooth hiding under the lip. Lifting the lip to see all the teeth and gums is important for parents to do twice a day when they brush their child’s teeth. If the child has a gum boil (appears like a pimple filled with pus) next to a tooth, there is likely an infected tooth associated with it. Pain that wakes a child out of sleep could be the sign of a serious infection and the child should see the dentist soon.

Severe Pain

Some kids experience a toothache at some point throughout their lives. Parents may not realize that the child has pain. Children experiencing severe pain are sometimes not able to articulate what they are feeling, and in the end won’t complain of pain. However, some children with dental pain will exhibit behaviours such as not eating or drinking well, avoiding cold and sweet foods, not sleeping well, waking in the middle of the night, acting lethargic, and avoiding their favourite activities. This may be an indication to see a dentist soon.

If children have a toothache due to dental trauma, over the counter pain medications can help at first. Sometimes, lukewarm salt water rinses can help soothe injured gums. Once the dentist has examined the child’s mouth to find the source of the pain, they can discuss the treatment options with the parent.

We’re One Call Away

At The Children’s Dental Centre, your child’s health is our number one priority.

If you are currently dealing with an emergency, or, if you have any questions or concerns, please call us right away! We are always happy to help. 

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Great news: there’s no rigid schedule when it comes to losing baby teeth, and each child grows and develops on their own schedule. Typically by kindergarten, children will start to lose their teeth. Usually there is no pain involved, but there may be a bit of tenderness in the gums after the tooth falls out. Keeping the area clean is important. Parents should help their children with gentle brushing.

Every Child’s Smile is Unique

Some babies start walking before they’re 1 year old, and some don’t take their first steps until they’re 18 months old. Every child is different, and that goes for their smiles too! 

Parents love celebrating their child’s milestones. These are memorable moments and the dentist can help to make one of those milestones even more special. Losing the first tooth can be a thrilling moment for a child and their parents. We are happy to chat with you about questions you may have about your child’s smile anytime.

Tooth Fairy in the House!

Starting as early as kindergarten, a child can begin to lose their teeth. Typically, this is when the dentist will start texting the tooth fairy to share this exciting news. Some children start losing teeth earlier and some may be a bit later, but eventually, all 20 baby teeth will fall out by age 13. There are some times when baby teeth do not fall out. The paediatric dentist can discuss options with you.

When children start losing teeth, a visit from the tooth fairy is inevitable. The tooth fairy may be very generous with money under the pillow at night, or maybe books on the night table, or leave  another type of special treat. No matter what the tradition, it’s a fun way to celebrate a big moment in a young child’s life. No matter what surprise is waiting the following day, children love speculating about what the tooth fairy does with all those baby teeth they collect! 

Permanent (adult) Teeth

Baby teeth are placeholders in the jaw for future, permanent teeth.

Remember: First in, first out. This simple rule means we can expect our children to lose their primary teeth in the order they arrive.

When your child has a permanent tooth that’s about to erupt, the baby tooth’s root begins to dissolve. Once the root has dissolved, then the tooth becomes loose, because it’s only held in place by the surrounding gum tissues. 

If your child’s baby tooth is loose, it’s okay if they want to wiggle it. However, never use force to pull out a tooth if it’s not ready. 

You can expect your children to lose their primary teeth between the ages of 6 and 12, and to have 28 permanent adult teeth by their teenage years. If the third molars (wisdom teeth) come in, then your child will have a total of 32 teeth heading into adulthood.

If your child has not lost their first tooth by 8 years old, or if you notice a permanent tooth arriving before the baby tooth has fallen out, you may consider making an appointment with your dentist. They can assess your child and have a discussion regarding their findings.

The No-Pressure Timeline 

It’s essential to note that the timelines we’re sharing with you today are general guidelines. If your child’s teeth appeared quickly, odds are they will lose them earlier. Alternatively, if your child’s teeth arrived more slowly, then their adult teeth may take longer to come in. 

If you’re concerned about your child missing important dental milestones, it’s best to speak with your dentist directly. They will have a better idea of what’s happening with your child’s dental health.  

Here is a general timeline of when you can expect your child to begin losing their baby teeth: 

1. Upper and lower central incisors: You can expect these primary teeth to come out between 6 and 7 years old
2. Upper and lower lateral incisors: These primary teeth usually come out between 7 and 8 years old
3. Upper and lower first molars: These teeth are generally lost between 9 and 11 years old
4. Lower canines: Typically lost between 9 and 12 years old
5. Upper canines: Mostly lost between 10 and 12 years old
6. Lower and upper second molars: Generally lost between 10 and 12 years old

Losing a Tooth

In the beginning, your child may experience a range of  emotions. They may be super excited or they may be super scared. They may want to remove their tooth on their own, or they may not want anyone touching the area for weeks. You should try to make it as fun as you can. Reading books with your child about the tooth fairy, or watching their favourite character on TV lose their first tooth may ease their anxiety. If your child is experiencing discomfort after a lost tooth, you can: 

• Rinse the area with warm salt water to help clean their gums
• Cover the area with a bit of gauze
• If there’s pain, apply a clean, cold, wet cloth to the site
• Administer children’s ibuprofen or tylenol if necessary

Maintaining Your Child’s Dental Health

Now that you have a general idea of when your child should be losing their primary teeth, let’s talk about how to keep those teeth as healthy as possible! 

Proper dental hygiene and regularly scheduled visits to your dentist are vital steps towards ensuring your child’s teeth stay their healthiest. Contact your dentist to discuss your child’s smile, and they can help determine the frequency of your appointments.If you have any questions about your child’s teeth or would like to book an appointment, contact our caring staff at The Children’s Dental Centre.

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Baby teeth (primary teeth) are your child’s first set of teeth. There are twenty primary teeth in total. It is important that your child’s teeth are being properly cleaned with parental supervision, and that oral hygiene routines are established at an early age. A child‘s dental examination is recommended by the time the first tooth appears or by the child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. The paediatric dentist can offer valuable advice on many topics of children’s dentistry. We look forward to meeting you and your child. Please contact us to book an appointment that is convenient for you. 

Primary Teeth

Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that will emerge in a child’s mouth. This first set of teeth will eventually get replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. Typically, a child will receive all twenty of their primary teeth by the age of two or three. If your child is teething and appears to be in pain, you can:

• rub the gums with a clean finger or cool cloth
• rub the gums with a safe teething toy
• speak to the paediatric dentist if you feel that over-the-counter medication such as children’s ibuprofen is needed

Here’s what you should avoid:

• using a topical pain reliever unless directed by your paediatric dentist
• giving your child teething biscuits that contain added sugars

It is important to note that you should never ignore a fever. Getting new teeth does not make babies sick or give them a fever. If your child has a fever, check with your doctor.

When Do Primary Teeth Come In?

Upper teeth:

• Central incisors: 7-12 months
• Lateral incisors: 9-13 months
• Canines (cuspids): 16-22 months
• First molars: 13-19 months
• Second molars: 25-33 months

Lower Teeth:

• Central incisors: 6-10 months
• Lateral incisors: 7-16 months
• Canines (cuspids): 16-23 months
• First molars: 12-18 months
• Second molars: 20-31 months

Permanent Teeth

At around age six or seven, a child’s first permanent teeth should start to come in. They are known as the “first molars” or the “six-year molars”. They come in at the back of the mouth behind the last primary teeth (primary molars) and do not replace any primary teeth.

Around this age, children will also start to lose their primary teeth. The roots of a child’s primary teeth will slowly dissolve, and the teeth will get loose and then start to fall out. Children lose primary teeth until they are about 12 or 13 years old.

It’s okay for children to wiggle out their primary teeth if they are loose, but it’s not advised to use force to pull out a tooth that’s not ready to come out. When a tooth comes out at the right time, bleeding will be kept to a minimum.

Oral Health for Kids

Healthy Gums

Dental decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. It is considered a disease because dental decay is caused by a bacterial infection (most commonly streptococcus mutans). Like adults, children can also get gum disease (gingivitis). Gingivitis occurs when the gums that hold our teeth in place get inflamed and or infected. It is very important that parents help supervise their children’s oral hygiene routines.

Daily brushing and flossing can stop gum disease. Not brushing often enough, long enough, or effectively can lead to bleeding gums. If your child’s gums bleed when using a toothbrush, do not take this as a sign to stop brushing. If your child’s gums are always swollen, sore, or bleeding, you should take your child to the dentist. The dentist can discuss many ways that you can protect your child’s teeth. 

How to Brush

Young children are not able to clean their own teeth effectively. Caregivers should brush for the child when they are very young. Good oral hygiene habits and routines should be established early, even before your child has teeth. Not only does it foster quality time with your child, but it also develops good life long habits. The goal is to wipe all parts of the gums if no teeth are present, but once teeth emerge, an infant sized toothbrush is recommended.

Here’s how to clean an infant’s mouth before teeth emerge:

1. Lie your baby in a comfortable place
2. Make sure you can see into your baby’s mouth
3. Use a soft baby brush or or a clean, damp washcloth to brush and wipe your baby’s gums

Some general tips for brushing your child’s teeth are:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth
• Use gentle circles and do not scrub
• Clean the entire surface area of every tooth
• Speak to your paediatric dentist for advice on when to introduce fluoridated toothpaste
• Buy a new toothbrush at least every 3 or 4 months

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Radiographs are also used in evaluating dental problems due to an injury to the mouth or dental trauma, assessing erupting and developing teeth, evaluating jaw growth and development, and assessing orthodontic concerns. It is best to detect dental decay early, as conservative treatment options may be effective at this stage. Delaying radiographs could lead to more significant dental decay, pain, infections, and consequently the need for more invasive treatment alternatives.

We follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which means the fewest number of radiographs are taken and the patient is exposed to the least amount of radiation. In our office we use digital radiography, which uses less radiation than conventional radiographs. The radiation from taking radiographs is negligible relative to the total exposure of radiation from all daily sources of radiation including environmental and manufactured sources.

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Pharmacological management may be a helpful option to treat your child’s dental needs safely and/or help prevent emotional trauma. In our office, we offer numerous types of sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation (laughing gas with an oral medication), in-office general anesthesia and outpatient hospital general anesthesia.

Prior to any treatment, we will have a thorough conversation about all of our sedation options, and you, as the parent, will decide what is best for your child and family. Please contact our office at 416-252-KIDS(5437) to schedule an appointment today.   

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