4 Signs Your Child May Need a Pulpotomy

Baby teeth are temporary, but that doesn’t mean you only have to start taking care of your child’s oral hygiene only after adult teeth start growing in!

In fact, without proper care, baby teeth can suffer inflammation in the chamber of the tooth, in which case the child might need a pulpotomy. The procedure is designed to relieve inflammation and prevent more serious problems like an infection from damaging the tooth.

How to Tell If Your Child Needs a Pulpotomy

It can be difficult for parents to inspect the teeth and gums of their children properly, especially if the child is really young. The best thing you can do is to start taking your child to the dentist as early as possible. At Miles of Little Smiles, we see a lot of parents and their children and provide them with personalized tips on how to stay on top of the child’s dental needs from the beginning.

But, how can a parent tell something is wrong with the child’s teeth? Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Jaw or Cheek Swelling

If you notice your child’s cheek or jaw area is swollen, chances are they are dealing with a bit of inflammation. The area usually feels tender when touched, so the child will likely pull away or even cry if you try to look closely at it.

Trouble Sleeping

The child can also experience a bit of pain if the teeth are inflamed, and these episodes are usually more prevalent at night. If your child cannot fall asleep and is complaining about pain, you should take them to the dentist as soon as possible.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Drinks or Food

Children can be picky eaters, but your child might not be complaining about the food or drink because they don’t feel like eating what you’ve prepared. If they feel pain when consuming hot or cold food or drinks, the issue is likely because of their teeth.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

If your child fell and chipped or even broke their tooth, it’s really important to take them to the dentist as soon as possible. These injuries can expose a bit of the nerve, which can lead to some pain and discomfort for the child. The dentist can inspect the damaged tooth and provide a treatment plan to make sure your child feels like themselves.

Schedule Your Child for a Consultation at Miles of Little Smiles

At Miles of Little Smiles, we make sure your child’s teeth are healthy at any age. If your child is already experiencing some discomfort, or you just want Dr. Mila Belgrade and Dr. Dikla Chazbani to examine their oral health and help you improve your at-home dental routine, we’d love to hear from you to set up an appointment.