Pediatric Toothache Treatment in Noblesville, IN
Call us first, and we'll help you figure out how soon your child should be seen.
Tooth pain in kids usually comes from a cavity, an infection, a new tooth pushing through, or something stuck between the teeth. When you call, a few answers help us sort out how quickly your child needs to come in.
At the visit, we examine the sore area, take dental X-raysClick to open in this tab if they’re needed, and work on making your child comfortable. Then we explain what’s behind the pain and what we recommend next.
Before you call, it helps to know:
Call (317) 773-5437Click to call us and we’ll take it from there. If your child is struggling to breathe or swallow, or swelling is creeping toward an eye or down the neck, head straight to an ER.
Home care won’t cure what’s behind the ache, but it can make waiting easier. If anything gets worse, call Smiling Kids Pediatric DentistryClick to open in this tab in Noblesville, IN, right away.
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Step 1: Rinse and Floss
A swish of warm water loosens debris, and kids who can spit may use warm salt water instead. Next, slide floss along both sides of the painful tooth to lift out anything caught there.
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Step 2: Cool the Cheek
Wrap ice or a cold pack in a towel and rest it on the cheek over the sore spot, in sessions of up to 20 minutes. Avoid heating pads and warm compresses.
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Step 3: Choose Medicine Carefully
An over-the-counter children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, dosed as the package or your pediatrician directs, can ease the ache. Skip aspirin for children unless their doctor says otherwise, and don’t use benzocaine numbing gels on kids younger than 2.
Keep the appointment even if your child feels better. A quiet tooth isn’t always a healthy one, and problems like decay are simpler to treat when they’re caught early.
Depending on the cause, care may involve a metal-free fillingClick to open in this tab, pulp therapy with a crownClick to open in this tab, or treatment for a dental abscessClick to open in this tab. Our Noblesville office cares for children from across Hamilton County, and we’ll explain every option before treatment begins.
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Can you see my child today?
Call as early in the day as you can. We’ll ask about your child’s symptoms and find the soonest time that fits how urgent the pain is.
Mention any swelling, fever, or recent injury when you call so we can move the visit up.
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What usually causes a toothache in kids?
Most often it’s a cavity that has reached the deeper layers of the tooth. Other common causes include an infection, a molar coming in, food wedged between teeth, or a chipped toothClick to open in this tab.
Molars that arrive around age 2 can make little ones fussy too. Our blog has tips for getting through two-year molarsClick to open in this tab.
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What if the pain starts at night or on a weekend?
Use the comfort steps above, then call us as soon as the office opens. Pain that settles with home care can usually wait until then.
Some signs can’t wait for morning: labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, puffiness moving toward an eye or the neck, or a high fever with a swollen face. Those need an emergency room right away. For other urgent situations, see our dental emergenciesClick to open in this tab guide.
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Will my child need a root canal?
Only if decay or infection has reached the nerve. In baby teeth, that treatment is usually called pulp therapy, and it’s often finished with a crown to protect the tooth.
Many toothaches are fixed with a simple filling instead. Here are some signs of a deeper problem in the toothClick to open in this tab to watch for.
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How can we help prevent toothaches?
Regular dental examsClick to open in this tab and cleaningsClick to open in this tab can catch small cavities before they start to hurt, and sealantsClick to open in this tab protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
At home, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss where teeth touch, and save sugary snacks and drinks for mealtimes.
Choose Specialized Care for
Your Child’s Smile
Schedule your child's consultation and begin a steady journey of lifelong oral health.
9669 E. 146th St., Ste 260
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: 317-773-5437Click to call us
Email: info@smilingkidspeds.comClick to open in new tab
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
9240 N. Meridian St., Ste 250
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-580-9199Click to call us
Email: info@smilingkidspeds.comClick to open in new tab
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
