6 year molar toothache

liney

My son is 5 and a half and has his 6 year molars coming through - one nearly done, and the other just starting at the bottom.

He's in pain, so i have been giving him Calpol if it's very sore, but he doesn't want his teeth brushed and screams if i accidently catch one.

We do have a dentist appointment for a check up, but not for 3 weeks. Does this last long, and is it usual to cause this much discomfort?

Perhaps i should try and get the appointment brought forward?

GlasweJen

Does your child have asthma or stomach problems? If not try giving him kids ibuprofen along with the calpol (careful with the timings, calpol is 4 times a day ibuprofen is 3 times a day) as this will help soothe any inflammation around the gums.

If this fails (or if he's asthmatic) try using anbesol liquid which numbs the gums and should provide some relief.

Another trick is giving him cold stuff to bit, sugar free icelollies are good for this.

Toothsmith

Treat it like teething, as basically that's what it is.

The cleaner you can keep the site, the quicker it will get better. A 5 yr old might be a bit young to do salty mouthwashes effectively (He'll get very sick if he swallows too much!) but a cotton bud dipped in warm salty water and rubbed over the gum will clean more gently than a toothbrush.

I would try to get him seen a bit sooner as well, but good hygiene should help it.

liney

Dentist very kindly fitted us in today and declared he has an abscess, and prescribed antibiotics, and a return visit Monday if still sore.

Am I a rubbish tooth brusher, or as he says does it just soemtimes happen when new teeth errupt?

netty1_2

Hi,
Sorry to hear your son has been in so much pain. Calprofen is also a good option (its neurofen for kids).
Its difficult to diagnose without doing an examination but generally for teeth coming through we do not usually give antibiotics even if there is some pain. It wouldn't be my first line of treatment.
You do not normally get a 'abscess' when a tooth is coming through. It may be that there is an infection in the gum but in my experience and my Wifes (who mainly treats kids) this is not common in children.
My normal advice IF it is a tooth coming through would be as Toothsmith's advice + pain killers and then review after about a week if needed.

Has your son had fillings in the past? Did the dentist say there was decay in the teeth?

Pain from teeth coming through does happen so don't blame yourself! Do keep up with twice daily brushing (perhaps with a kids electric brush?) and avoiding snacking on sweet food and drinks (natural sugars and artificial). Childrens mouthwash may help as long as he can spit out.

Hope that helps,
All the best.

liney

He has no fillings, no sign of decay apparently

Perhaps i will get an electric toothbrush and see if we can make a better job when the soreness has passed.

Thanks