Does your young one cry out from tooth pain when they lie down? For a parent, it can be quite stressful. It may be an indication of an underlying dental problem such as cavities, pulp infection, or trauma. Let’s have a look at some common causes why your child might have tooth pain at night and what you can do about it.
What Causes Tooth Pain at Night in Children?
Cavities (tooth decay)
Cavities are one of the main reasons why your kid may have a toothache at night. When bacteria weaken the tooth enamel, the inner sensitive layers of the tooth get exposed.
The increased blood flow toward the head when lying down can cause the cavity pain to feel sharper.
Teething
When a baby or toddler is teething, erupting primary teeth can create pressure and soreness in the gums. The discomfort may worsen at night and may even wake them up from sleep.
Cracked or chipped teeth
Children can sometimes chip or crack a tooth during sports, playtime, or accidental falls.
Even if your kid has a small tooth crack or chip, it can expose nerves, causing pain that can worsen at night.
Infected tooth pulp
If tooth decay goes untreated for too long, it can reach the pulp (the inner tissue). A pulp infection often causes severe tooth pain and usually does not go away without professional dental care.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache at Night?
Without identifying the cause, it can be difficult to properly relieve your child’s tooth pain. So first, reach out to a pediatric dentist as early as you can. If your child’s tooth pain is unbearable, ask your dentist for a same-day emergency visit.
Getting to the dentist’s office may take a little while, so in the meantime there are some things you can do to help make your child feel better. Put a cool compress on their cheek and hold it there for a few minutes until the pain lessens.
If your kid is old enough, ask them to rinse their mouth with saltwater to calm the irritated tissues. Also, put an extra pillow under their head when they lie down so their head is elevated.
How Can A Dentist Help?
Your pediatric dentist will look inside your child’s mouth and may take X-rays to figure out what the underlying problem is. Depending on the cause, they may place a dental filling or a stainless steel crown. Sometimes, a pulpotomy (baby root canal) is needed to remove the inner pulp tissue that is infected.
Summing Up
If your child is unable to sleep at night because of a toothache, it means the issue is serious and needs immediate care. You can visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Neil Dean, and his team at KC Kids Dental for urgent dental care. Call us today.
