We always prioritise dental pain in children. Same-day assessment available — call us first and we will make room for your child today.
What Could Be Causing the Pain?
Cavity Reaching the Nerve
The most common cause of toothache in children. When decay progresses through enamel and dentine to reach the dental pulp (the nerve), it causes a dull constant ache that worsens with heat, cold, or lying down. Treatment: pulpotomy or pulpectomy (root canal for baby teeth), followed by a crown.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth. Signs include swelling of the gum or face, a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, fever, and severe throbbing pain. This is a dental emergency — please call us immediately. Abscesses can spread rapidly and should never be left untreated.
Erupting Teeth
As new teeth push through the gum, children often experience dull pressure or tenderness in that area. This is normal and temporary. Cool teething toys or gentle gum massage can help. We can confirm this is the cause at a quick check.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A crack causes sharp pain when biting or releasing biting pressure — a very distinctive sensation. Cracks can occur from biting hard objects, falls, or sports injuries. Treatment depends on the depth: from bonding for superficial cracks to root canal for cracks reaching the pulp.
Pericoronitis
In teenagers, lower back molars sometimes partially erupt with a flap of gum tissue covering part of the tooth. Food and bacteria trapped under this flap cause localised infection and pain. LASER operculectomy can remove the flap gently and resolve the issue.
Food Impaction
A piece of food — particularly meat fibre — wedged tightly between two teeth causes significant pressure pain and gum tenderness. Careful flossing can resolve this. If swelling or pain persists after clearing the food, please come in for an assessment.
While You Wait for Your Appointment
- Warm salt water rinseDissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water; ask the child to rinse gently for 30 seconds. Reduces bacteria and soothes inflamed tissue.
- Cold compressApply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of the cheek for 15–20 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Age-appropriate paracetamolGive the correct dose based on your child's weight. Ibuprofen is also effective and can be alternated with paracetamol.
- Avoid triggersKeep the child away from very hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods. Soft, room-temperature food is best.
- Do NOT place aspirin on the tooth or gumThis common home remedy causes chemical burns to soft tissue and makes things significantly worse.
- Call usEven outside normal hours, leave a message. We will contact you as soon as possible to arrange same-day or next-morning care.