It is important for children to have routine dental care starting between ages 6 and 12 months, or when the first tooth comes in, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. It's critical to detect dental problems before they start. If your child is faced with a painful abscess, a dentist can help your child avoid any further complications.
Pain and Causes
One of the first signs of an abscessed tooth is pain. The pain is caused from a buildup of pus and infected fluid around the tooth, inside the gums or in some cases inside of the tooth. The fluid creates a barrier around the infection, explains the Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center. If there is no way for the pus to drain out of the infected area, it can become painful and swollen. A gum abscess, also referred to as a periodontal abscess, occurs when infection is between the tooth and gum. The cause is generally trapped food or periodontal disease. For an abscess inside of the tooth, also known as a periapical abscess, the infected abscess is often found on the tip of the tooth's root -- if a tooth in your child's mouth is dead or dying, this type of abscess is common. The pain caused from an abscess can cause severe emotional and physical distress for your child.
Tooth Loss
A tooth abscess is a common cause of tooth and bone loss, according to drpgilbert.com. If your child does not receive regular and routine dental care, he is at risk for tooth loss. One of the biggest concerns for babies and toddlers is baby bottle tooth decay -- a condition in which the bacteria and sugars from bottle feeding remain in the mouth, and eventually rot away at growing or newly formed teeth. When a child loses his baby teeth too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, it can eventually impact his self-esteem and how he feels about his smile.
Difficulty Eating
Having an abscessed tooth can greatly impair your child's ability to eat properly. Pain is often the main reason for not wanting to eat. If the abscess is swollen, it can make the jaw difficult to move, making it challenging for her to open her mouth wide enough to eat. An abscessed tooth is not only painful by itself, it can also cause nearby nerve pain in the jaw, face and head.
Dentist Fear
If your child has not been to the dentist on a frequent basis, taking him when he is in pain may instill fear about going. Dr. Fred Margolis explains that objective fear is common in small children. If he has a painful dental experience during an exam or extraction, it could cause fear about returning to the dentist. The tools and loud noises can also be unsettling for some children. Reassurance from you as a parent and an experienced pedodontist can assist with a smooth dental visit.
