A child clutching their cheek at bedtime is one of those moments that can make any parent's heart sink. Child toothache is common, and most of the time it is manageable once you know what you are dealing with. At Eglinton Dental Care we see families from Eglinton, Alkimos, Butler and right across Perth's northern suburbs dealing with exactly this, and we want you to feel confident about what to do tonight and when it is time to get your child seen.
This guide walks through the usual causes of toddler toothache and child toothache, some simple things you can try at home, and the warning signs that mean you shouldn't wait for a routine appointment.
What usually causes child toothache
Tooth pain in little ones can come from several different places, and it is not always obvious which one is behind your child's discomfort.
Tooth decay
Decay is one of the most common reasons kids get toothache. Sugary foods and drinks left on the teeth feed bacteria, which slowly wears away the enamel and can eventually reach the nerve inside the tooth, causing pain that comes and goes or settles into a dull ache.
Teething and new teeth coming through
If you have a toddler, teething is often the first thing to suspect. As baby teeth push through the gum, or later when the first adult molars arrive from around school age, the pressure and gum irritation can cause real discomfort for a few days.
A knock, chip or crack
Active toddlers fall over a lot, and a bump to the mouth can chip or loosen a tooth without you even noticing straight away. Pain that shows up after a fall, even if the tooth looks fine, is worth mentioning to a dentist.
Gum irritation or a trapped bit of food
Sometimes what feels like a toothache is actually a bit of food wedged between the teeth, or gums that are red and sore from a build-up of plaque along the gum line.
An abscess or infection
When decay is left untreated, it can lead to a dental abscess, which is a build-up of infection near the root of the tooth. This tends to cause a stronger, throbbing pain and sometimes swelling, and it needs dental attention rather than home care alone.
Child toothache at night – why it feels worse
Many parents notice that child toothache at night seems much worse than during the day. Lying flat can increase blood flow to the head, which adds pressure around an already sensitive tooth. There are also fewer distractions at night, so your child notices the pain more, and tiredness can make any discomfort feel bigger than it really is.
If your child wakes up repeatedly with pain, or the ache is strong enough to stop them falling asleep in the first place, that is a sign the problem needs a proper look rather than just waiting it out.
Child toothache – what to do tonight
If your child has sore teeth right now and you are not able to get a same-day appointment, here are some sensible things you can try at home:
- Have them gently rinse with warm water, or a mild warm salt water rinse if they are old enough to swish and spit without swallowing.
- Check gently for any food caught between the teeth and floss carefully if you can see something there.
- Hold a cold face washer or a wrapped cold pack against the outside of the cheek, not directly on the skin, to help ease swelling and discomfort.
- For pain relief, check the dose for your child's age on the pack, or ask a pharmacist what is suitable – never give adult medication to a child.
- Offer soft, cool foods and avoid anything very hot, cold, hard or sugary until they are seen.
- Keep your child's head slightly raised with an extra pillow if the pain feels worse lying flat.
These steps can help your child feel more comfortable, but they are not a substitute for finding out what is actually causing the pain. If the ache settles down after this, it is still worth having the tooth checked, because some problems quieten down for a while and then come back worse.
Toothache in children symptoms to watch for
Children, especially younger ones, do not always say "my tooth hurts." Watch for signs like these instead:
- Pulling at their jaw, cheek or ear
- Refusing to eat on one side, or avoiding certain foods altogether
- Being unusually clingy, irritable or teary for no obvious reason
- Waking during the night or struggling to settle
- Bad breath or a strange taste they mention
- A visible dark spot, hole or chip on a tooth
If you notice any of these along with signs of pain, it is a good reason to book a check-up rather than wait for the next routine visit.
Child toothache and swollen cheek – when it's more urgent
A swollen cheek alongside toothache usually means an infection has moved beyond the tooth itself and needs attention sooner rather than later. At Eglinton Dental Care we keep some appointments free each day for dental emergencies, so same-day care is often possible, though we can never promise a particular time.
Call us promptly if your child has:
- Facial swelling, even if it seems mild
- Pain that has lasted more than a day or is getting worse
- A fever along with the toothache
- Pain that stops them eating, drinking or sleeping
- A pimple-like bump on the gum, or pus near a tooth
Some signs need more than a dental appointment. If your child has spreading facial swelling, a high fever, or is having trouble breathing or swallowing, take them to a hospital emergency department straight away rather than waiting for a dental visit.
How we help at Eglinton Dental Care
Our team welcomes children and families, and we know a sore tooth can be frightening for a little one who doesn't understand what is happening. We explain each step before we do it, go at your child's pace, and you can always ask us to stop. Our children's dentistry appointments are set up to be calm and unhurried, so your child has time to get comfortable with the chair, the sounds and the dentist before any treatment starts.
For eligible children, Services Australia's Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help cover the cost of basic dental services – the official eligibility rules and current benefit details are explained on the Services Australia website, and our team can check this with you at your appointment.
If your child needs treatment for decay, a crack or an infection, we talk through the options and the costs before anything begins, so there are no surprises. Bring your health fund card along too – most private health fund rebates are claimed on the spot through HICAPS, and you simply pay the gap.
When pain can't wait, our emergency dental care is there to help get your child out of pain and find out what's really going on. You can read more about how we handle urgent appointments and what to expect on our FAQ page, or simply call us directly if you are worried.
Frequently asked questions
Can teething cause a toothache in toddlers?
Yes. Teething and gum irritation around new teeth can cause real soreness in toddlers, usually easing within a few days. If the discomfort is severe, lasts longer than that, or comes with a fever, it is worth having your toddler checked rather than assuming it is teething.
Is it normal for child toothache to be worse at night?
Is it normal for child toothache to be worse at night?
It is common. Lying down can increase pressure around a sensitive tooth, and night-time has fewer distractions, so pain often feels stronger. If it is disturbing sleep regularly, book an appointment so the cause can be found.
What pain relief can I give my child for a toothache?
Follow the directions on the pack for your child's age, or ask your pharmacist what is suitable. Never give adult medication or aspirin to a child, and pain relief is only a short-term measure while you arrange to see a dentist.
Should I worry if my child's cheek is swollen but they don't have a fever?
Any facial swelling linked to a toothache is worth getting checked promptly, even without a fever, because it can mean an infection is spreading beyond the tooth. Call our team so we can advise on timing, and seek emergency care if swelling increases quickly or your child becomes unwell.
How often should my child see a dentist to avoid toothache?
Regular check-ups help catch small problems, like early decay, before they turn into pain. Many families book a check-up every six months, though your dentist can suggest a schedule that suits your child.
Getting your child seen
Child toothache is unsettling for the whole family, but in most cases there is a clear cause and a straightforward way to help. Knowing the common triggers, trying a few simple comfort measures at home, and recognising the signs that need prompt care all make the situation easier to manage.
If your child in Eglinton, Jindalee or nearby is dealing with tooth pain tonight, Eglinton Dental Care is here to help. Call us on 08 9564 1007, or choose a time online through our booking page to get your child seen and back to smiling comfortably.
