Tooth Infections in Kids in Parker, CO

Q: What are the signs of an abscessed tooth in a child?

Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, pain when chewing, sensitivity, redness or swelling around a tooth, a bump or drainage on the gums, facial or jaw swelling, fever, or changes in the affected tooth. Symptoms can vary, so a suspected infection should be evaluated by a dental professional.

Q: Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

The symptoms of a dental infection may sometimes temporarily improve, but the underlying source generally still needs to be evaluated and treated. Waiting for pain to return can allow the problem to become more extensive.

Q: Does every tooth infection require antibiotics?

No. Antibiotics are not automatically needed for every infected tooth. When an infection is localized to the tooth or nearby tissues without systemic involvement, dental treatment of the source is generally the priority. Antibiotics may be indicated when there is spreading infection, facial swelling, fever, or other systemic involvement.

Q: Can an infected baby tooth be saved?

Sometimes. Whether a baby tooth can be preserved depends on the health of the dental pulp, amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, presence and extent of infection, symptoms, and how long the tooth is expected to remain in the mouth. Treatment may include pulp therapy and restoration, while other teeth may need to be removed.

Q: When does an infected tooth need to be extracted?

Extraction may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably restored, infection cannot be adequately controlled while retaining the tooth, the surrounding tissues are significantly affected, or keeping the tooth is no longer appropriate for the child's dental development.

Q: How can I help prevent tooth infections in my child?

Helping children brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth where appropriate, maintaining regular preventive dental care, treating cavities before they become extensive, and having broken or injured teeth evaluated can help reduce the chance that problems progress into dental infections.

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A tooth infection can develop when bacteria reach the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. In children, this may happen because of deep tooth decay, a broken or injured tooth, or another problem that allows bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth.

Some infected teeth cause significant pain, while others may first be noticed because of swelling, a small bump on the gums, sensitivity, or a change in the appearance of the surrounding tissues. Dental infections can involve baby teeth as well as permanent teeth.

At Little Rockies Kids Dental, we evaluate the tooth, surrounding gums and tissues, your child's symptoms, and dental X-rays when appropriate to determine where the infection is coming from and what treatment may be needed.

Because a dental infection can progress, especially when swelling or systemic symptoms develop, it is important to have a suspected infected tooth evaluated rather than waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.

Tooth Pain or Swelling Shouldn't Be Ignored

If your child has persistent tooth pain, gum swelling, facial swelling, or another sign of a possible dental infection, our pediatric dental team can evaluate the source and discuss the appropriate next step.

Schedule A Dental Evaluation

Parent comforting a child with tooth pain that may be caused by a dental infection

What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection in a Child?

The symptoms of an infected tooth can vary depending on the tooth involved and how far the infection has progressed. Some children have noticeable pain, while others may initially have only mild symptoms or a small area of swelling.

Possible signs can include persistent or worsening tooth pain, pain when chewing or biting, sensitivity, redness or swelling around a tooth, a bump or drainage on the gums, facial or jaw swelling, or a tooth that has become damaged or discolored.

A child with a more advanced infection may also develop fever, feel unwell, or develop swelling that extends into the face. These symptoms require prompt attention.

Children do not always describe dental pain clearly, particularly when they are young. Changes such as avoiding food on one side of the mouth, waking because of tooth pain, becoming unusually sensitive while brushing, or repeatedly touching the jaw can also be reasons to have the area examined.

Pediatric Dental Emergencies

How Are Tooth Infections Treated in Children?

The appropriate treatment depends on whether the affected tooth is a baby tooth or permanent tooth, how much tooth structure remains, the health of the dental pulp, the presence of swelling or infection, and your child's overall dental development.

Restorative & Pulp Treatment
When an infected or deeply decayed tooth can be preserved, treatment may involve removing diseased tissue and restoring the tooth. The specific approach depends on the condition of the pulp and whether the tooth can be predictably restored.
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth Extraction
If a tooth is too damaged to restore predictably or infection cannot be adequately controlled while keeping the tooth, extraction may be recommended to remove the source of the infection.
Pediatric Tooth Extractions
Antibiotics When Appropriate
Antibiotics may be needed when a dental infection is spreading or there are signs of systemic involvement. They are not automatically necessary for every infected tooth and usually do not replace treatment of the tooth itself.
Urgent Dental Care
Sedation & Additional Support
Some children with extensive treatment needs, significant anxiety, or more complex care may benefit from nitrous oxide, sedation, or another treatment setting. Recommendations are based on the individual child and procedure.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

How We Evaluate an Infected Tooth

Finding the source of a child's dental infection is important because pain and swelling can sometimes be difficult to trace to a particular tooth. We examine the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues and ask about symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, swelling, drainage, fever, or recent dental trauma.

Dental X-rays may be used when appropriate to evaluate the roots of the affected tooth, surrounding bone, extent of decay, and developing permanent teeth. This information helps determine whether the tooth may be restored, requires pulp treatment, or should be removed.

For a localized infection without facial swelling or systemic symptoms, treating the affected tooth is generally more important than simply prescribing an antibiotic. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve pulp therapy, restorative treatment, drainage, or extraction.

When Is a Tooth Infection an Emergency?

Facial swelling caused by a dental infection should receive prompt dental attention. Fever, rapidly increasing swelling, significant facial asymmetry, difficulty opening the mouth, or a child who appears increasingly ill can indicate that the infection is spreading.

If your child develops difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly progressing swelling involving the face or neck, or another potentially serious medical symptom, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.

Even when symptoms are less severe, a suspected tooth infection should be evaluated so the source can be treated before the problem becomes more complicated.

Cavity Treatment Dental Emergencies

Pediatric dentist reviewing a dental X-ray while evaluating a child's tooth infection

Treat the Source of Your Child's Tooth Infection

Tooth pain, swelling, or an abscess can signal a problem that needs dental treatment. We can evaluate the affected tooth and discuss options for controlling the infection while protecting your child's developing smile.

Request A Pediatric Dental Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Infections in Kids

What causes a tooth infection in a child?

A tooth infection can develop when bacteria reach the dental pulp inside the tooth. Deep tooth decay is a common cause, but bacteria can also enter through a cracked, broken, injured, or otherwise damaged tooth.

What are the signs of an abscessed tooth in a child?

Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

Does every tooth infection require antibiotics?

Can an infected baby tooth be saved?

When does an infected tooth need to be extracted?

Is facial swelling from a tooth infection an emergency?

Facial swelling associated with a dental infection requires prompt attention because it can indicate that the infection has spread beyond the tooth. Fever, rapidly increasing swelling, significant facial asymmetry, or a child who appears ill increases the urgency. Difficulty breathing or swallowing or rapidly progressing facial or neck swelling requires emergency medical care.

How can I help prevent tooth infections in my child?

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