DD just told me she has toothache

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

I've phoned the emergency dentist and I'm waiting to hear from them but realistically what can they do on Christmas eve? She is four. Do milk teeth jabe roots/nerves to hurt?

[nurseblade]

Hi I'm a dentist. Primary teeth do have nerves. For the nerve to be exposed there would have to be a big cavity which you would easily be able to see. If there is an abscess you will see a swelling on the gum above the tooth if it's a top tooth or below the tooth if it's a lower tooth. Can you have a look?

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

thanks nurseblade. There is no visible cavity or swelling. The dental nurse who phoned me advised us:-

don't give her anything too cold / hot / sugary
brush with warm water
calpol
phone our dentist on Wednesday.

Would you add anything else. She has managed to eat her tea and seems ok atm.

Thanks again for your response.

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

it is her second to back tooth pixie. It does look like there is a piece missing from the back part of the tooth.

[Wallace]

What about earache?

[nurseblade]

Can you see anything at all that could be causing pain? Is she pointing to a particular tooth or is it her mouth in general? Can she describe the pain? Any other symptoms eg sores on her hands/feet?

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

It is one particular tooth. No ear ache or sores on her hands and feet.

[nurseblade]

Sorry x posted. Those teeth are the ones most susceptible to decay and abscesses. Does she describe a throbbing pain? Like there is a 'heartbeat' in the tooth?

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

I didn't ask her at the time (four o clock) and she says it doesn't hurt right now - could be because of the Calpol?