February 9th is Toothache Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of managing toothaches in children. At Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team of dentists and orthodontists understand the importance of addressing toothaches as soon as possible and provide the best care for your child.
Tips for Treating Toothaches at Home
If your child is experiencing a toothache, there are some things you can do at home to provide temporary relief until you can schedule an appointment with our team. These include:
- Giving your child over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Applying a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Cleaning the area with a warm saltwater rinse
- When to Seek Professional Treatment
While these home remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our team if your child’s toothache persists or if they have other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty eating. Our dentists and orthodontists can properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
Treatment Options at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
At Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a variety of treatment options to alleviate your child’s toothache and prevent future problems. These include:
- Fillings: If the toothache is caused by decay, we may recommend a filling to repair the damaged tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy: A root canal may be necessary to remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
- Extractions: In some cases, a tooth may be so damaged that it needs to be extracted.
- Gum Treatment: If the toothache is caused by gum disease, our dentists may recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup and promote healing in the gums.
- Orthodontic treatment: If the toothache is caused by misalignment of the teeth, our orthodontists may recommend braces or other orthodontic treatment to correct the issue and prevent future toothaches.
Tips for Preventing Toothaches
In addition to providing treatment for toothaches, our team at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Arlington and Hurst also want to help you prevent toothaches from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing toothaches:
- Brush and floss daily: Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and food debris that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: These foods can erode the enamel on your child’s teeth and make them more susceptible to toothaches.
- Wear a mouthguard: If your child plays sports or grinds their teeth at night, a mouthguard can protect their teeth from damage.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent toothaches by catching and treating problems early.
Contact Us
If your child is experiencing a toothache, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact our team at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Arlington and Hurst today to schedule an appointment. You can also visit our website’s Contact Us page to fill out an appointment request form. Let us help your child find relief from their toothache and achieve optimal oral health.