Son Is Complaining of Teeth Hurting

Updated on January 29, 2009
S.D. asks from Dayton, OH
27 answers

Hi Moms,
My son, who will be 4 in March, has a small fever and said today that his teeth hurt. I wasn't sure if at the age of 4 are they still in the process of getting their teeth? He hasn't been to the dentist yet because he has a major fear of doctors from an earlier health incident when he was 18 months old. I just figured I would see if perhaps it was his molars or something? Has anyone else had this problem? I wasn't concerned about the fever because it is small and I figured he had a cold or something but then today he said his teeth hurt.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.K.

answers from Cleveland on

Sometimes sinus problems can cause pain that feels like it is in the teeth. Just something to consider. . .

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.K.

answers from Cincinnati on

If you live near Montgomery a great dentist to go to is Dr. Marie Callen, http://outstandingdentalteam.com/ My kids love her and the place is very fun so that they don't get scared. If you want you can tell them that Kayla Kern's family sent you. They know her very well. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My son is 4 and he was saying the same thing for about a month. One day he showed me his tooth was loose. 2 days later it fell out. A couple days later you can now see the new tooth growing in underneith. I didn't think kids lost teeth this young, but apparently they do.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Cleveland on

It could be many things, but occasionally the teeth hurt when the child actually has a sinus infection. If there is a fever as well, it might be worth checking.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

My teeth hurt when I have problems with my sinus
If he has a fever he may have a sinus infection.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

I would consult your ped, since it possibly could be cavities. Most kids have all their baby teeth by the time they are two and a half or three. Perhaps it could be a sinus problem at well, as sometimes my own teeth hurt when I have a bad cold or sinus infection.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Toledo on

Take him to a childrens dentist they specialize in treating children. They won't give your child shots or do dental work while he is awake. Don't wait because of fear because you son may have cavities that are really bad. Take care of him.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.

answers from Dayton on

In my experience as a preschool teacher, I have heard kids say their teeth hurt (or neck, tongue, even their collar) when they have a sore throat or inflamed glands. They due get 4 year molars, but if his ums don't seem red or inflamed, it might be a sinus infection or something coming on. If it doesn't go away soon I would try to get him to a doctor.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

The ONLY way to conquer fear is to CONFRONT IT! You need to take him to a children's dentist. They see this kind of thing ALL the time. In addtion, there are books about "My First Trip to the Dentist" etc. They address the fear kids have and that the experience isn't as bad as they perceive. The longer this goes on, the HARDER it will be to tackle! Call the dentist's office and talk to the dentist in advance if you have to. They will probably even give you suggestions to prepare him.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Toledo on

His molars should have come in at age 2. Just take him to the dentist. He may have cavities. It could just be an achiness from the illness, but no will be able to tell you for sure but the dentist.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

He shouldn't be getting any more teeth at this point. The last ones they get are the 2-yr molars until they are 6ish and start to lose baby teeth. He is WAY over-due for a dentist visit, scared or not. Find a pediatric dentist who can see him and find out why his teeth are hurting and start cleaning his teeth twice a year.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.V.

answers from Columbus on

Your son should have seen a dentist at 3 years. We had been religous with cleanings and at 3 my son had a cavity and my two year has one inspite of all our efforts. The fever could be due to an infected tooth. He should have all his teeth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Evansville on

A sinus infection will make your teeth hurt.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Could be a sinus infection. Teeth pain isn;t always dental issues.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.J.

answers from Indianapolis on

Sometime children can be confused where the pain is coming from and an ear infection can make it feel as though it is his teeth hurting. So just a thought with a low grade fever it could be an ear infection.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.C.

answers from Dayton on

Hi. Sometimes when people have sinus infections they complain their teeth hurt. Or perhaps he could have an abscessed tooth. This would explain the fever, too. You may want to take him to a doctor. Does his breath smell funny or unusually strong? Has he had any green/yellow drainage?
There are some excellent pediatric dentists that know how to work with children, especially those that are nervous or afraid.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Hi S.,

Take him to the pediatrician to be sure that it is not an ear infection or sinus infection and ask for a referral to a dentist who specializes in seeing children with these kinds of fears. He could be grinding his teeth at night, which is kind of common for people with unresolved anxiety issues. If he is doing this, it is important that he sees a dentist that can both care for his teeth and prevent the damage that he can do to his jaw and teeth (which makes preventative care even more urgent.)

If you have not had him evaluated for his OCD to be sure that this is his only issue, then I would suggest it. Fears and anxieties like you describe can be treated successfully, and children can become much happier if they are not afraid. I have one that was afraid of the world, lined stuff up, counted things, had all kinds of rituals, and finally was so afraid that schools was misery, when she could manage to go at all. Treating her was like night and day. Once the anxiety interferes with life, it is time to consider treatment, it is very safe and effective, and I have spoken to many adults who are angry that they did not seek help for this problem when they were young, after finding incredible relief as adults.

M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi S.,
My first thought is that a fever means infection. I would assume he either has a cavity or some other tooth infection, or if he's had a cold he could have a sinus infection. I know a sinus infection sounds weird, but a symptom is your teeth hurting due to sinus pressure. If his pain and fever continue, and I would definitely take him to the doctor. There will be ways a doctor or dentist can calm your sons fears. I'm sure they will do everything possible to make him comfortable. Plus, if he's four, he's at a little bit easier age than a toddler to reason with. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

I once went to the dentist and demanded he pull a tooth that was killing me. Turned out I had a sinus infection and the sinus cavity was so inflamed that it was sitting between the roots of the tooth. Oddly enough, I didn't have any other symptoms of a sinus infection.

Can he point out the area in his mouth that's hurting? If he can and you put oragel on it and it doesn't help, it may not be teeth.

What scrapbooking product do you sell?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Cleveland on

As I see other people have mentioned, I also wanted to add that it could be a sinus (cold) or ear infection making his teeth hurt. If it is a teething issue or ear infection, I wanted to suggest trying hyland's teething tablets, earache tablets, or cold tablets. I saw that you had a problem with motrin which is why I wanted to mention their products. Not sure if you're familiar with them, but they are all natural and work great. I've found them at Drugmart, CVS, RiteAide, and Target to name a few places.

Anyway, I would schedule an appt with his Pediatrician and if you find nothing there then move onto the Denist. I know this can very stressful for him but there might be something he needs treatment for right away. i have seen a handful of friend's children have (multiply) cavities. It could be so many different things. It is a good idea to have it checked out. Perhaps you could make a denist appt for yourself and take him along to watch the denist work on your mouth? He might be more comfortable with it at that point.

Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Dayton on

Ask him if it is just his top teeth; if that's the case, it's probably a sinus infection. They can throb, and will also hurt more when he jumps up and down.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have had fevers that caused me to believe my teeth hurt so it is possible.
It is past time to take him to the dentist, though. Have him go with you when you are getting an exam and let him be in the room with you so he can see what is going on. You do know their are some dentists who specialize in children? They have play areas, show children's shows and play children's music while they are working with the children. Might try to find one of these for him.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Cleveland on

S.,
my name is D., i am a dental hygienist. If you place your son on the bed and have him tilt his chin up, you should be able to see well into his mouth. Make it a game.
You can look for anything abnormal with his teeth. Many times if you have a cold or a sinus inflammation it will make your top teeth be sensitive or hurt. Your sinus cavity is right above the roots of the teeth. Also at age four he is due for his initial dental examination. Start with a good pediatric dentist.
Good luck,
D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Does he have a head cold as well? Maybe it is his sinuses? Sorry I can't be more help.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Kokomo on

Teething can often cause other symptoms like low grade fever, sinus issues, or diarrea. If his teeth are hurting and you don't want to rush off to the dentist, first I would see if he would let you feel for any teeth bumps poking through where it hurts since this would help you understand the situation. If you feel the teeth are the problem, especially since you have had problems with medications in the past, I would go buy some homeopathic teething tablets. They are soothing herbs in a base of milk solids. They are tiny and dissolve instantly. You can just put them in a child's mouth, but of course they work faster if you place them where the pain is. My husband and I tried them ourselves to be sure they were working as advertised. We had immediate numbness where we put the tablets.
One of my sons is this age as well so I commiserate. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Cleveland on

my dentist said to get them in at 3. iahve taken mine and the first visit they just check teeth and brush. my daughter just had a fever and here it was her molars i took her to doctor no other signs but fever. so it could be an infected tooth or getting teeth or start of a cold i would have him checked out at dentist....

K.K.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi! While my son has never had this particular problem - I have! I have problems with my sinuses, and they often make my teeth hurt. Sinus pressure and/or congestion can make your teeth hurt! He may have a bad cold or a sinus infection. You can try the old trick of pushing on his sinuses, to see if he reacts. I would press just to the left and right of the nose, above the eyebrow and under the eyebrow (inside the eye socket.) I wouldn't lead him by asking him "does this hurt?", I would just say something like, "let mommy feel you little cheeks" or whatever might work for your little guy. My son just got over a sinus and ear infection, and I knew his sinuses were infected before I took him to the ped. by using this little trick. He was able to tell me about his ears, but not so much his sinuses. I hope this helps!! Good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches