Toothache

DEFINITION

Pain or discomfort in a tooth
Not due to an injury

Causes

Main Cause: tooth decay
Food wedged between the teeth
Injured tooth

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

If follows a tooth injury, see TOOTH INJURY

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick
Fever is present
Face is swollen
Severe pain and not improved 2 hours after taking pain medicine

Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen
Toothache present over 24 hours
Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth
Red or yellow lump present at the gumline of the painful tooth

Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

Mild toothache present less than 24 hours and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD TOOTHACHE

Reassurance: Most toothaches are temporary and due to a sensitive tooth. If the pain becomes worse or doesn't resolve in 24 hours, it could be due to a small cavity.
Floss: Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief.
Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice in a wet washcloth to the painful jaw for 20 minutes.
Expected Course: Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
Call Your Dentist If:
- Toothache persists over 24 hours
- The toothache becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 8/6/2007

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online