Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

How to Tell if Your Child Is Hiding a Toothache

10 September 2018

Herman Kim

While kids often let you know when they aren't feeling well, sometimes they may hide this from you. For example, if you've noticed your child wince a couple of times and hold their cheek, then you might ask them if they have toothache. They may deny this, but you aren't convinced. How can you work out if they have a problem with one of their teeth?

Check Teeth For Damage

Take a look at your child's teeth to see if you can spot any issues. For example, if your kid has been eating hard lollies that they aren't supposed to have, then they may have cracked or damaged a tooth. Look for crack lines or signs that a tooth is no longer whole.

Check for Signs of Decay

If your child does have toothache, they may have some decay on one or more of their teeth. This often looks like white spots to begin with. Decay then turns brown and black as it gets worse. If you see brown or black spots on a tooth, then it will probably also have a dent or hole in it where the cavity is.

Check For Bad Breath

Don't assume that everything is OK if you don't see anything on your child's tooth. They may have a problem somewhere you can't see or aren't trained to spot. Smell your child's breath. If it smells normal or of food they've recently eaten, then there may not be a problem. If their breath smells bad, then there may be something going on in their mouth.

Check How They Eat

If your child has got a tooth problem, then the tooth will probably hurt when they eat or drink certain foods. Watch your child eat. Are they chewing harder foods normally? Are they eating on one side of the mouth but avoiding the other? Do they wince or look pained when they eat or drink something cold? Are they turning down foods or treats they'd normally bite your hand off to get?

If you can see or smell a problem, or your child can't hide signs that they're in a bit of pain, then make an appointment to see your dentist. Your dentist won't mind if you're wrong. It's better to deal with issues like broken teeth or decay early. Broken teeth can lead to decay and even infections; decay will just get worse if it isn't treated. For more information, contact a local general dentistry clinic. 

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