It is essential that your child get regular dental examinations and cleanings to help keep their teeth healthy and free from decay and gingivitis. There may be times, however, when your child may need to seek additional pediatric dental care services when they have a severe toothache or other dental problems. While most toothaches are caused by dental-related issues such as cavities, a dental abscess, or gum disease, other non-dental-related problems may be the cause. Here are some non-dental causes of tooth pain that may be responsible for your child's discomfort.
Sinus Infection
Tooth pain in children can be caused by a sinus infection or even the common cold. When the nasal passages become inflamed and congested as a result of an infection, it can put pressure on the top row of the teeth, leading to dental pain. While upper dental pain is most common in those suffering from sinus infections, your child may experience pain in their lower teeth as well.
If your child's pediatric dental care services provider determines that the cause of their tooth pain is related to sinus problems, then your child may be referred back to their pediatrician. If the infection is caused by a bacterial organism, the physician may prescribe an antibiotic. Once the infection has resolved, sinus inflammation will resolve and your child's tooth pain will diminish.
Juvenile Arthritis
Also known as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis can cause severe pain in your child's joints and bones. It can also cause joint deformity, redness, inflammation, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue, general malaise, and fever. In addition to joint pain in the fingers, hips, knees, feet, and ankles, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause significant pain in the jaw and teeth. This can make it hard for your child to chew properly and it may even contribute to bite problems, also called malocclusion.
The pediatric dental care services professional can take panoramic x-rays of your child's teeth and jawbones to evaluate them for deformities and other abnormalities. If rheumatoid arthritis is the suspected cause of your child's tooth pain, the dentist may advise you to make an appointment with the child's primary care physician for further treatment.
If your child has tooth pain, make a dental appointment. When the source of tooth pain is recognized early on, an effective treatment plan can be put into place quickly so that your child can enjoy prompt pain relief. For more information on pediatric dental care services, contact a professional near you.
