Can kids get fever after dental work?

Potential Causes

Your 7-year-old child developing a fever a few hours after a dental filling could be due to the following:

1. Natural Immune Response: The body may generate a low-grade fever as part of its healing process after invasive procedures such as dental fillings. Typically, this reaction subsides within a few days as the body progresses through the healing process.
2. Oral Infection: While less common, oral bacteria could cause an infection at the site of the dental work. If symptoms like chills or pain accompany your child’s fever, it might suggest an infection, necessitating immediate professional attention.
3. Endocarditis: Extremely rare but potentially serious, endocarditis can develop when bacteria from an oral infection reach the bloodstream and infect the heart’s lining. It is more prevalent in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions and can present symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Immediate medical intervention is required in such cases.
4. The fever could be non-dental related.

Recommended Actions

Should your child develop a fever after a dental filling, here are the recommended steps to take:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your child’s temperature and other symptoms. Seek immediate medical help if the fever is high-grade, persists, or if severe pain, chills, or fatigue appears.
2. Manage Pain and Fever: Consult with your GP and check if you can control your child’s discomfort and fever using over-the-counter medications like Panadol (acetaminophen) and Neurofen (ibuprofen), alternated every two to three hours. Some children may be allergic to these medications! Always adhere to the instructions on the packaging, and consult your healthcare provider if pain or fever persists for more than two to three days.
3. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene. Resume gentle brushing and flossing the morning after the procedure to help prevent infection and promote healing.
4. Dietary Precautions: Avoid potential irritation or food getting lodged in the area of dental work by steering clear of spicy, salty, sour, and crunchy foods. Discourage actions such as sucking from a straw or spitting forcefully that could interfere with healing.
5. Follow-Up Care: Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with a paediatric dentist and maintain regular six-month dental check-ups. If additional care is advised or if you have concerns about your child’s recovery, contact your child’s dentist without delay.

Please Note

This information is intended as a general guide. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to your child’s specific needs and situation. If the fever persists for over two days or your child’s condition worsens, seek immediate medical attention.