Parents may have hesitations about contacting a local kids dental office for what appear to be minor problems with their young child’s teeth. Baby teeth are temporary and are typically replaced by their permanent counterparts by the age of 12. There is often confusion as to whether or not some dental conditions should be treated since the tooth will eventually fall out on its own. While this may be the case for some cosmetic issues, decay and infection should never go untreated in children of any age. If a parent suspects an infection in their child’s mouth, it is critical to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist to have the child evaluated and treated as needed.
When a child is seen for a potential infection at a kids dental office, the dentist will look for evidence that points to this type of disease in the teeth and gums. Some of the most common signs may include:
The dentist may also ask if the child has experienced any accompanying symptoms, such as pain when eating or chewing, a bad taste in the mouth or an otherwise unexplained fever. It is important to note that pain and sensitivity, along with redness and minor swelling, could also be signs of poor oral hygiene, over-brushing or tooth decay. These common complaints do not cause pus or fevers that may be present in an infection. Only a professional can diagnose the source of the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Once it has been determined that a child has an infection in the tooth or gums, a dentist will typically prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. The practitioner may also recommend pain relievers and cold compresses to help with soreness and tenderness around the affected region. In some cases, a small incision or hole must be made to drain the infection before the area can begin healing. In more severe situations, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. If no treatments will aid the tooth in healing properly, the dentist may recommend that the infected tooth be extracted.
If a parent has concerns about anything regarding a child’s oral health and dental development, a visit to a kids dental office should be scheduled promptly. This is especially important if a parent suspects a potential infection in the child’s teeth or gums. With proper care and attention, infections in baby teeth can be treated to help prevent further discomfort and medical complications. However, neglected infections in baby teeth can lead to painful procedures or harmful side effects. From routine care to addressing worrisome symptoms, baby teeth should be treated with the same level of attention and concern as adult permanent teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Regular appointments with your kids dentist can give your child a great start when it comes to oral health. Statistics show that only about 51.4% of children have regular dental checks at least once each year. Finding proper dental care for kids is extremely difficult. But asking the following questions can help you know your…
Dental bonding for kids can support small cosmetic repairs and minor tooth defects, but it does not replace the role of a traditional filling when a cavity extends deeper into the tooth. Pediatric dental care focuses on protecting enamel, supporting healthy development, and keeping treatment comfortable for growing patients. Clear guidance helps families understand why…
A kids dentist will routinely order dental X-rays for patients. For many patients, young and old, dental X-rays are not necessary at every visit. They can reveal key information about your child's oral health, as well as the development of the jaw. A kids dentist can use these X-rays to address various oral health concerns…
Getting your child accustomed to the dentist can set them up for success in terms of oral health. A kids dentist strives to make every visit a comfortable one. Not only does this help your child build a positive association with going to the dentist, but it also allows the dentist to provide necessary oral…
Regular appointments with your kids dentist can give your child a great start when it comes to oral health. Statistics show that only about 51.4% of children have regular dental checks at least once each year. Finding proper dental care for kids is extremely difficult. But asking the following questions can help you know your…
Dental bonding for kids can support small cosmetic repairs and minor tooth defects, but it does not replace the role of a traditional filling when a cavity extends deeper into the tooth. Pediatric dental care focuses on protecting enamel, supporting healthy development, and keeping treatment comfortable for growing patients. Clear guidance helps families understand why…