Four Ways To Tell Your Child Might Be Hiding Dental Pain

Dentist Blog

If you know that your child is apprehensive about dental visits, warning signs they might be hiding oral pain should be looked for. There can be changes in your child's behavior that are red flags they might be hiding dental-related pain. Here are four things you should look out for if you are worried that your child might be hiding pain related to dental issues.

1. Avoiding Certain Foods

If your child is avoiding certain foods, they might have a dental issue that acts up during mealtimes. Cold or hot beverages might cause acute sensitivity if your child might have dental issues such as cavities. If your child shies away from foods that are crunchy or chewy, this might also be an indicator that they are avoiding foods because of mouth pain. Be sure to monitor your child's diet so that you can notice any changes.

2. Swollen or Red Cheeks

If your child's face seems a little swollen or red, this can be caused by various things, but just might be an external sign of internal troubles. If your child seems to have swelling around the jawline or this is sensitive to the touch, this might be an indication that they have a dental issue. Make sure to ask them what happened and if they avoid an answer they might be trying to hide a dental issue that needs to be treated immediately.

3. Trouble Sleeping

If you notice that your child has trouble falling asleep or is up in the middle of the night more often than usual, they might be having trouble sleeping due to oral pain. If your child is groggy throughout the day even with a full night's sleep, they might be losing sleep due to hidden oral pain keeping them up.

4. Taking Pain Relievers

If your child suddenly begins taking more pain relievers without any real changes or noticeable illness or injuries, they might be trying to self medicate a dental problem. Try to pay attention if they are taking this right before bedtime, physical activities, or mealtimes. They might be trying to mask dental pain before activities that cause flare-ups or to help fall asleep.

Children can end up with an irrational fear of seeing the dentist, so it is up to you to try help your child overcome this. If you discover that your child has a dental issue and they are worried to go to the dentist, sit down with them and talk through these fears. Explain to your child that the dentist is just a part of life and that getting better will only happen if the dentist is given a chance to help. A good pediatric dentist will be able to set your child's fears at ease as well. Go online to read more.

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13 October 2015