When your child complains about a toothache, it can be difficult to determine whether the pain is serious enough to warrant a trip to the dentist. However, there are certain symptoms that can indicate your child is experiencing a dental emergency and needs to be seen by a dentist right away. Here are four symptoms that may indicate a pediatric dental emergency.

1) Severe toothache

If your child is complaining of a toothache that is severe or one that has gotten worse over time, this could be a sign of an infection. If the pain is accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness, this can be an even bigger clue that an infection exists.

Left untreated, a dental infection may lead to more serious health problems, such as abscesses or cellulitis. If your child is experiencing a severe toothache, it's best to err on the side of caution and take them to see a dentist right away.

2) Trauma to the mouth

If your child has suffered a blow to the mouth or has fallen and hit their teeth, this could also be indicative of a dental emergency. If you see any damage to the teeth or gums, it's important to have your child seen right away. Failure to address trauma to the mouth promptly may result in further damage or even tooth loss, so don't hesitate to reach out to a pediatric dental emergency office.

3) Swelling

If you notice that your child's face is beginning to swell, this could indicate an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth and can be very painful. If this condition is ignored, the abscess may lead to more serious health problems such as sepsis.

4) Bleeding

If your child is experiencing bleeding from the mouth that won't stop, this can indicate a dental emergency. The bleeding may be coming from the gums, tongue, or lips and can be a sign of an infection. If the bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or redness, it's even more important to seek dental care right away.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek pediatric dental emergency care right away. The sooner you can get your child to the dentist, the better their chances may be of avoiding more serious health problems, such as tooth loss or infection. Reach out for help ASAP so you can help your child heal.