Toothache
Description / Symptoms
Pain or discomfort in a tooth.
Cause
Tooth decay. Other Common Causes: Food wedged between the teeth or injured tooth.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)
If follows a tooth injury, see Tooth Injury.
When to Call Your Doctor or Dentist for Toothache
Call Your Doctor or Dentist Now If:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Fever is present
- Face is swollen
- Severe pain and not improved 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
Call Your Doctor or Dentist Within 24 Hours If:
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Toothache present > 24 hours
- Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth
- Red or yellow lump present at the gumline of the painful tooth
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:
- You have other questions or concerns
Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor or Dentist…" first):
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 an ice pack to the painful jaw for 20 minutes.
Expected Course
Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Toothache persists > 24 hours
- The toothache becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor or Dentist…" symptoms
Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.