Paying close attention to your child’s dental condition can help you notice changes that may indicate it’s time for a dental appointment. For example, if they’re exhibiting or communicating distress over a chronic or severe toothache, you can reach out to their dentist for a same-day emergency visit.
But it’s natural to wonder whether they still require attention if their discomfort suddenly dissipates. Continue reading to learn more about why this can sometimes happen and the best way to proceed!
What Causes Toothaches?
There are several potential causes for toothaches, and some are more urgent than others. For instance, your child might feel sensitivity if they have developed early gum disease, also known as gingivitis, or thinning enamel. These concerns can sometimes be addressed with relatively simple solutions, like a topical fluoride treatment, minimizing their consumption of sugary or acidic foods, or ensuring they brush and floss consistently twice daily at home.
However, more persistent or significant throbbing can be caused by worsening oral issues, such as cavities, chips or cracks that extend deeper than you can see, or infections in the affected tooth or nearby connective tissues. These problems typically require a professional assessment to develop a customized treatment plan.
Do Dental Problems Fix Themselves?
Many well-meaning parents assume that their child’s oral problems can eventually mend themselves, the way bruises and cuts usually do. But teeth don’t contain blood vessels or other regenerative cells like the rest of their body, meaning that dental concerns are unlikely to heal on their own.
Instead, they usually get progressively worse, leading to more severe symptoms, aches, or injuries that often require emergency appointments to address. That means it’s usually in your child’s best interests to contact their pediatric dentist as soon as they express a concern or you notice that they seem to be struggling to bite or chew comfortably.
What if My Child’s Toothache Disappears?
You might question whether the underlying issue mended itself if your child’s discomfort suddenly seems to disappear, but as you know, that’s not usually the case. The truth is, the tender nerves inside the affected tooth or teeth may have become so damaged that they no longer function or can send pain signals to the brain.
But that doesn’t mean an appointment isn’t still necessary. Dental disease and decay are contagious and can spread to your child’s neighboring teeth, jawbone, or gum tissues, causing further harm until it’s treated.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s dental condition requires a same-day visit, you can contact their pediatric provider to let them know what happened, and they’ll schedule an appropriate time to see them!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid is passionate about helping kids learn the value of preventive dental care while building and maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, then completed a General Dentistry Residency focused on pediatrics at the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center. Today, she is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and offers a full menu of services, including same-day emergency visits, to meet your child’s unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (678) 498-2878.