Can a Child’s Toothache Manifest as an Earache?  

Healthcare has a number of branches and specialties, which can sometimes cause us to forget about the amount of overlap between professionals. For instance, an ear, nose, and throat doctor will know many of the same things as a dentist.

In fact, your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, may need to know even more than a doctor, so they can be sure they are directing the patient to the best possible treatment. At times, your dentist might be even better at diagnosing certain conditions and pains. We’ll look at how earaches and toothaches are related and why it’s important to pay attention to your child’s symptoms.

Cavity: A Tricky Kind of Pain

Pain from a cavity doesn’t always mean that a child will feel pain in their mouth. It may seem as though the ear is either infected or suffering from a buildup of wax, but the reality is the pain is extending to the ear, which is why it seems as though that’s where the problem is originating.

It’s more common to see this kind of pain confusion for older kids and adults because molars or infected teeth are more likely to present as ear pain. However, cavities and abscesses can occur at any age, so it’s important to keep an eye out for additional symptoms besides ear pain.

Seeing a Dentist in St. Cloud, MN

Because our systems are so interconnected, parents should hold back from jumping to conclusions. Particularly if the child has no history of earaches, it may not be worth holding off on treatment in the hopes that the infection will clear itself up. If there’s a serious dental problem, it’s imperative to get help as soon as you can. Thankfully, there are usually other symptoms that occur when the child has a toothache and not an earache.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms along with ear pain, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist:

• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity to hot/cold
• Jaw pain
• Loose teeth

Whether your child needs an extraction or a filling in St. Cloud, MN, Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has a staff that is here for you and your family. If you need a dentist in St. Cloud, MN, contact us today.