Do you notice your child wincing when they eat a popsicle? Do they complain about their teeth hurting when they eat ice cream? Your child may have sensitive teeth. It’s something that afflicts adults, but tooth sensitivity in children is common.
Tooth sensitivity in children can have several possible causes. Some are easier to treat than others. The Center for Pediatric Dental Health can figure out which cause is making your child’s teeth sensitive, and we can find ways to treat that sensitivity and make your child’s ability to eat much easier.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t come from the enamel. Rather, it comes from the pulp deep within the tooth that holds the blood vessels and nerve endings. This living portion of the tooth is protected by the soft dentin and the hard enamel.
While the enamel isn’t porous, the dentin has tubules that go all the way to the pulp. Bacteria, sugars, acids, and other materials can travel through the tubules to the pulp, causing the nerves to react.
Thin or decayed enamel can allow access to the dentin and its tubules. This is what causes tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
What causes tooth sensitivity in kids? There are several possible causes.
- Thin enamel – this can be genetic or the result of illness or medications at a young age
- Lack of proper hygiene – Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and bacteria to weaken the enamel.
- Enamel erosion – Sugary foods and acidic foods and drinks can wear down the enamel quickly.
- Dental fillings – Fillings can make teeth more sensitive, especially if they’re deep fillings
- Adult teeth – Erupting permanent teeth can cause tooth sensitivity in baby teeth until the process is complete
- Sinus infections – The pain of sinus infections can feel as if it’s spread to the teeth.
What Are the Signs of Tooth Sensitivity?
How do you know if your child has tooth sensitivity? Child tooth pain with cold is fairly easy to spot, as the child will often wince or even avoid eating or drinking anything cold. They may protest eating or drinking, or favor one side of their mouth when eating or drinking.
Older children will complain about the pain, particularly before eating or drinking anything hot, cold, or sugary. You may even see them showing signs of discomfort when they brush or floss their teeth.
How Do You Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is often temporary and goes away on its own. If it’s the result of another issue, such as a sinus infection or tooth cavity, treating that issue will often end the tooth sensitivity.
There are other ways to help tooth sensitivity:
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste. Children old enough for fluoride toothpaste can use a toothpaste made for tooth sensitivity to better protect their teeth.
- Get a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments are available for children from their dentist to protect and strengthen enamel.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride mouthwashes add extra fluoride to their tooth enamel to strengthen it.
- Drink fluoridated tap water. Many municipalities add fluoride to their water to help protect children’s teeth. Having your child drink tap water provides another layer of protection.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush won’t wear down the enamel like a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months. Bristles wear out after about three months, making them less effective at cleaning, which might make your child press harder to clean. New bristles clean far more efficiently.
- Brush and floss regularly. Good oral hygiene is your best protection against tooth decay.
- Keep regular dental visits. Semi-annual dental visits not only provide professional cleanings but also allow us to spot potential problems, such as thinning enamel or developing cavities.
- Have cavities filled right away. The longer cavities are left, the better the chances they will penetrate the enamel and dentin and damage the tooth’s pulp, causing sensitivity and even pain.
- Reduce sugar and acidic food intake. This includes avoiding things like sodas, citrus acid, candy, and “junk food” containing high starch that can convert to sugar and bacteria that can damage teeth.
When to See a Dentist for Tooth Sensitivity
Since it’s a common problem, when should you consult a dentist about your child’s tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity should only last a short time and should fade away. However, there are instances when you need to contact the dentist.
Contact us if your child’s tooth sensitivity worsens rather than improves after a few days. You also want to contact us if your child develops a fever or other symptoms, such as swollen, red, or bleeding gums, or signs of a tooth cavity. Give us a call if your child is unable to eat or drink properly after a few days.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Sicklerville, NJ
The Center for Pediatric Dental Health is here for you and your child, and we can help treat tooth sensitivity. We have several options that can help strengthen their enamel and prevent future sensitivity.
If your child needs help with tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with The Center for Pediatric Dental Health for pediatric dental care in Sicklerville, NJ; Woolrich Township, NJ; and Mount Laurel, NJ.
