Orthodontic Pain

Common Questions

Q : Should I be concerned about incoming teeth if my child sucks his or her thumb?

A : Thumb sucking is a normal reflex in young children. However, thumb sucking after age 4 or using a pacifier after 6 months of age can change the shape of your child's growing jaw bones and interfere with the proper eruption of permanent teeth, so it should be discouraged. Try spreading crushed garlic on your child's thumb for a few days, or (if you prefer a rewards system) keep a star-chart for thumb-free days with a reward after 10 stars.

Q : What if a permanent tooth starts erupting behind or in front of a baby tooth?

A : You should call your dentist. Sometimes it's necessary to remove primary teeth to make room for permanent teeth. But don't try to remove the baby tooth yourself.

Q : If my baby has a cavity in one of his or her baby teeth, should I bother to have a dentist fill it?

A : Yes. Children need their baby teeth until they are 12 or 13 years old. Untreated decay could continue to eat away at the tooth until it reaches the pulp or nerve and cause extreme pain and infection. If baby teeth decay to the point of needing extraction, these missing teeth will interfere with your baby's ability to learn to talk properly and the proper spacing and alignment when adult teeth come in.

Q : Can teething bring on other illnesses?

A : There is a false belief that fever, diarrhea and rashes are brought on by teething. If these symptoms are present while your child is teething it's merely a coincidence and he or she should be seen by a doctor. Illness isn't a normal part of teething.

Q : What if my child's teeth appear to be at the surface of the gum, but don't seem to want to break through?

A : It shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks for a tooth to erupt once it is near the surface of the gum. If you're noticing swelling or discolouration and your baby seems to be in a great deal of pain you should take him or her to see a dentist.