7 Common Causes of Toothache in Children That You Shouldn’t Ignore

Toothaches can impact anybody, even children, at any age. There are a variety of reasons why children have toothaches, and as parents, we naturally want to figure out what's causing it and how we can help them feel better. Your child's baby teeth come in, fall out, and are eventually replaced with permanent teeth during childhood. Discomfort might occur as a result of the many changes occurring in their mouth.

While teething or a loose tooth can cause discomfort in a child, a persistent or severe toothache could indicate something more serious that requires treatment. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of toothache in children that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Tooth decay
Cavities (holes in the tooth) created by tooth caries are the most prevalent cause of toothache in youngsters. Tooth decay happens when we consume too many sugary drinks and foods while also failing to properly clean our teeth. When these sugars and starches aren't effectively removed from your teeth, germs thrive and plaque builds around your teeth. This plaque then erodes the tooth enamel, causing small gaps or holes that expose the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in toothache.

2. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, might be the cause of your child's toothache and a sore jaw. Grinding results in pain by putting pressure on the teeth, jaw, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). It can also wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin beneath, and making teeth sensitive.

3. Root canal infection
An infection in the root canal might result from a damaged tooth or one that has been left untreated. The root canal is a chamber-like area deep within the tooth that houses nerve endings and dental pulp, which is a cellular substance. Infection-causing germs might enter the root canal through a badly damaged tooth or one with significant decay. Fortunately, by conducting endodontic therapy, a tooth with an infected root canal can be preserved. Endodontics is the process of cleansing the root canal and eliminating any diseased material.

4. Tooth eruption
The eruption of a tooth is one of the most prevalent causes of dental discomfort in children. This simply indicates that a tooth is erupting from beneath the gum line. This is true of both baby and permanent teeth. Chewing might be more uncomfortable for youngsters when the tooth pushes through the gum tissue. They could also be more sensitive to harsh temperatures than the average person. Once the new tooth develops, any discomfort should go away.

5. Dental abscess
It might be a dental abscess if your child has significant tooth pain and a tiny, pus-filled pimple on their gums. An abscess develops when a bacterial infection develops as a result of untreated deterioration or an accident. The pain may be persistent and throbbing or come and go, radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear. Fever, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, as well as glossy, swollen gums, and/or facial puffiness are all common symptoms in children.

6. Broken or chipped teeth
If your child complains of a toothache, make sure to inquire about an injury. Children who participate in sports or other activities may be unaware of the harm that stumbling or a bump to the face might cause to their teeth. Broken or chipped teeth, as well as gum damage, can cause tooth discomfort in kids. Mouth guards can aid in the prevention of such injuries.

7. Gum disease
Gum disease, which is caused by bacteria overgrowth and plaque buildup, is another prevalent disease in youngsters. This condition makes the gums swell and bleed frequently, especially after tooth brushing. Gum inflammation can also occur in young children as a result of teething, causing pain in the mouth.