Root canals are needed when your child’s adult tooth has become damaged and infected, and are usually the best way to save their tooth and avoid an extraction. Wondering what the top signs that your child may need a root canal? Find out now in this blog from Miles Of Little Smiles!
1. A Consistent, Prolonged, Painful Toothache
The most common sign of an infected tooth that requires root canal therapy is a consistent, prolonged toothache that keeps getting worse over time. If your child is complaining about a painful, sore tooth that doesn’t seem to be getting better, something is definitely wrong. Pain is the body’s way of telling you there’s a problem, so you should see a dentist like Dr. Belgrade and Dr. Chazbani for a consultation right away.
2. Sensitivity To Heat, Cold, And The Pressure Of Chewing & Biting
Typically, a toothache won’t happen until the infection is very severe. Before this, you may also notice that your child’s tooth feels sensitive to heat, cold, or the pressure of chewing and biting firm or tough foods. If they complain about tooth soreness or sensitivity when eating, this could indicate an infected tooth, or a damaged tooth that’s at risk of becoming infected.
Either way, this is a serious issue and you should see a pediatric dentist right away to get a checkup and diagnosis.
3. Discolored Or Visibly Damaged Tooth
Beyond the tooth itself, you may also notice issues with gum swelling, inflammation, and tenderness near the tooth. This happens because the bacteria inside the tooth may spread into the nearby tissue, causing a minor infection of the gums.
So look for swollen and purple or dark red gums near the tooth. This is a sign that there may be an infection, and you need to take action.
4. Inflamed Or Discolored Gum Tissue Near The Tooth
Beyond the tooth itself, you may also notice issues with gum swelling, inflammation, and tenderness near the tooth. This happens because the bacteria inside the tooth may spread into the nearby tissue, causing a minor infection of the gums.
So look for swollen and purple or dark red gums near the tooth. This is a sign that there may be an infection, and you need to take action.
5. Your Child Has A Fever Or You Notice Swelling In The Face Or Cheek
If an infected tooth goes unnoticed or untreated for long enough, your child may develop a fever when the bacteria begin to spread. Their face, cheek, lymph nodes, and other areas of their face may also swell.
These are signs of a serious infection and you need to get help right away. Things will only get worse without treatment, and in rare cases, the infection could spread to the rest of their body. This is called “sepsis” and can be life-threatening.
Contact Miles Of Little Smiles – Put Your Child’s Oral Health First!
Infected teeth are a serious oral health issue. And if you think that your child may have a tooth infection, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call Miles Of Little Smiles at (914) 949-6655 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for your little one. Dr. Mila Belgrade and Dr. Dikla Chazbani can examine their mouth, get to the bottom of the issue, and provide them with the treatment they need for a healthy mouth, such as root canal therapy. We’re always accepting new patients in Westchester, so get the help you need today.