Sensitive teeth can be a problem for patients of all ages. However, when children are unable to brush their teeth or eat or drink anything hot or cold, it can be confusing as to why it might be happening. They may miss out on their favorite ice cream or decide it hurts too much to brush their teeth – a challenge no parent wants to face. Fortunately, with the help of a children’s dentist, you can get to the root of the problem and turn things around for your little one. Keep reading to learn how.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity in Children?
Before you can begin to treat your child’s tooth sensitivity, you and a children’s dentist must understand what is causing it. This can be the result of:
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: When a cavity forms and spreads to the innermost layer of the tooth – the pulp – it can cause pain and sensitivity because it weakens the structure.
- Enamel Erosion (Wear & Tear): When drinking fruit juice or consuming other highly acidic foods and beverages, the acid can eat away at their tooth enamel, causing erosion and sensitivity over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If your child is not brushing their teeth or flossing regularly, food can become stuck and lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, bad breath, and decay.
- Permanent Tooth Eruption: When saying goodbye to your child’s baby teeth, sensitivity can occur as their permanent teeth begin to erupt.
- Loose/Damaged Dental Filling: If your child has a filling that is loose or damaged, the vulnerable tooth underneath can become exposed to temperatures that cause sensitivity.
Which Treatment Methods Can Address Tooth Sensitivity?
Once your child’s dentist identifies the reason for tooth sensitivity, they will develop a plan to target the problem and ensure greater comfort. They may choose to do this by:
- Encouraging better oral hygiene at home and regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings at the dentist’s office.
- Incorporating specific toothpaste into their oral hygiene routine, such as the kind that can desensitize their teeth.
- Having dental sealants applied to back teeth to protect the chewing surfaces from food and bacterial accumulation.
Don’t let sensitivity keep your child from taking proper care of their teeth or enjoying their favorite ice cream flavor. By talking to a children’s dentist about treatment, you can help their smile remain happy and comfortable in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck is a holistic dentist who leads the team at Bionica Dental Wellness. She and our other qualified professionals work closely with patients of all ages, including children. With growing smiles and oral hygiene habits that must be learned over time, she is pleased to offer parents a way to help their children overcome tooth sensitivity. If your little one is complaining of pain each time they brush their teeth or try to eat something hot or cold, visit our website or call (262) 337-9745 to schedule an appointment.