Toothache in children can be related to decay, eruption, a fracture, a filling problem or infection. Early assessment matters because children may find it difficult to describe the location and severity.
This content is general information, not a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A dental examination is needed for individual symptoms.
Seek urgent assessment for facial swelling, fever, marked tiredness, difficulty opening the mouth, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
First steps at home
Clean the mouth with warm water and gently remove visible trapped food. Apply a cold compress outside the face for swelling. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about age-appropriate pain relief and follow the product instructions.
What should you avoid?
Never place aspirin on the tooth or gum and do not give aspirin to children. Do not apply alcohol, essential oils or caustic substances in the mouth, and do not start antibiotics without assessment.
Why is a dentist needed?
Pain relief does not treat the cause. Early decay may need a filling, while deeper decay can reach the pulp and lead to infection or swelling. Primary teeth are important for eating, speech and development of permanent teeth.