Kids' Dentist in Laval: What to Do When Your Child Has a Toothache

November 4, 2026

If your child has a toothache, call a kids' dentist in Laval. The pain could come from a cavity, an infection, a cracked tooth or an injury, and only an exam can pinpoint the cause. If the swelling increases or a fever develops, seek care right away.

Pediatric Dentistry in Laval: When Pain Calls for a Quick Appointment

A toothache in a child doesn't always sort itself out. Call a clinic as soon as the pain lingers, keeps coming back, or keeps your child from sleeping, eating or drinking. Don't put off getting it checked out: an untreated cavity can progress, cause an infection, and lead to the loss of the tooth.

To help the team guide you over the phone, have this information ready:

your child's age;
which tooth is affected, if you know;
how long the pain has lasted;
whether there's any swelling, fever or injury involved.

Signs That Call for Urgent Medical Care

Some signs can't wait for a regular appointment. Urgent medical care is needed if your child has:

significant swelling that's getting worse quickly;
trouble breathing or swallowing;
an inability to open the mouth;
a noticeably poor general condition;
a fever along with pain and swelling.

These signs can point to an infection that has spread beyond the tooth. In that case, contact emergency services without delay.

What to Do While You Wait for an Exam

A few simple steps can help in the meantime, though they don't replace an in-clinic exam.

Keep an eye on your child's pain, swelling and temperature.
Don't apply anything directly to the tooth or gum.
Don't give any medication without following the label, a pharmacist's advice, or a professional's instructions. Dosing for children depends in part on age and weight.

If There's Been an Injury

If a tooth has been hit, cracked or knocked loose, keep any tooth or fragment you find and ask a professional for guidance as soon as possible. What to do next depends on the child's age and which type of tooth is affected, which is why it's important to call right away.

Recognizing the Signs of a Cavity and Lowering the Risk of Recurrence

See a professional if you notice chalky white spots, brown spots, stained grooves, or changes on the teeth, especially near the gums. A cavity can show up as soon as the first tooth comes in.

To help lower the risk, brushing the teeth, tongue and gums for two minutes, twice a day, especially before bedtime, remains the foundation. Add a fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing. Regular preventive care also helps catch changes early.

When to Start Your Child's Dental Checkups

It's common to schedule the first exam around age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. This first visit is mainly about building good habits, keeping an eye on how the mouth is developing, and answering your questions.

Early childhood caries refers to cavities that appear before age 6. They often affect the upper baby teeth first. An untreated cavity can affect sleep, eating, speech and learning, which is why it's worth seeing someone early on. For more everyday tips, check out our oral health tips.

Pediatric Dentistry and Family Care at Centre dentaire Champfleury

Centre dentaire Champfleury is a family dental clinic located at 338 Curé-Labelle Boulevard, suite G, in Laval, in the Sainte-Rose area. Dr. Vu opened her first practice in 1998, and the clinic has been known as Centre dentaire Champfleury since 2008. We offer general dentistry and pediatric dentistry, as well as care for adults, including Invisalign, implants and CEREC crowns placed in a single visit.

We use digital and 3D X-rays, an intraoral camera and laser technology. The entrance is wheelchair accessible. The clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed on weekends. You can reach the team at 450 937-3100.

We don't provide remote diagnoses. Only an in-clinic exam can determine the cause of the pain. For practical details, visit the clinic information page.

Frequently asked questions

My child has a toothache, should I go to the emergency room or call a kids' dentist in Laval?

According to Centre dentaire Champfleury, if your child has significant swelling, a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or can't open their mouth, contact emergency services without delay. For pain without these signs, call a kids' dentist in Laval or a family dental clinic to get a quick exam. Be ready to share the child's age, the affected tooth, and how long the pain has lasted.

What signs indicate that a child's toothache is an emergency?

As Centre dentaire Champfleury explains, swelling that's getting worse quickly, a fever combined with pain and swelling, or a noticeably poor general condition are signs that call for urgent medical care. These signs can point to an infection that has spread beyond the tooth. When in doubt, it's best to call a professional as soon as possible.

What should I do if my child's tooth was hit or broken?

As Centre dentaire Champfleury explains, keep any tooth or fragment you find and ask an oral health professional for guidance as soon as possible. What to do next depends on the child's age and which type of tooth is affected, so calling quickly matters. Don't try to treat the tooth yourself at home.

Can I give my child pain medication before their dentist appointment?

Don't give any medication without following the label, a pharmacist's advice, or a professional's instructions. Dosing for children depends in part on age and weight. Also avoid applying anything directly to the tooth or gum.