In adults, one of the top signs of a dental abscess is pain near and around the abscess site along with swelling. But some children are too small to communicate or to verbalize what they are feeling. Just like adults, children can get dental abscesses, and these abscesses should be treated by a pediatric dentist right away to prevent the infection from spreading into the blood stream. As such, it is important to know what the signs of a dental abscess are in a small child. Here are a few of the signs that you may notice as a parent if your child has a dental abscess. 

A Pimple or Lump on the Gum Line

One of the signs of a potential dental abscess in a child is a pimple or lump that suddenly appears on the gum line. The pimple may be red or white in color. Depending on where the abscess is and its size, the lump may also ooze pus when gently squeezed. Often times, the lump is near an area where your child may feel pain. If your child is able to talk, ask if they have any pain in the area near or around the pimple or lump. 

An Unpleasant Smell Coming From the Mouth

Another sign that your child may have a dental abscess is that there is an unpleasant smell coming from their mouth. As a parent, you know what your child's normal breath and morning breath smells like. But if there is an abscess in the mouth, their breath may smell abnormal and much more unpleasant. Unfortunately, this can also be caused by a cavity or even illness, such as a throat infection. But, if nothing else, this should be a warning sign that something may be amiss. 

Your Child Favoring One Side of the Mouth When Chewing

When children are small, they may not favor chewing on one side or only place a bottle to one side of their mouth. But if they are experiencing pain in their mouth, they may not want to eat or drink as much, and when they do, they may favor only one side of the mouth. The side of the mouth they favor is the side that doesn't hurt. Once again, this may signal a cavity or an abscess, but it is something that you should address with a dentist. 

A Swelling in the Cheek or Jawline

The last sign of an abscess is the most severe. If your child has an abscess, their cheek or jawline may swell up. If the swelling is hard and/or warm to the touch, your child needs emergency dental care to drain the abscess and treat the infection. 

If your child is displaying one or more of these symptoms, or they seem to express that they have pain in their mouth or teeth, you should contact a pediatric dentist right away. Abscesses can grow and spread quickly and are dangerous to your child, so you do not want to wait to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Little Peoples Dentistry.