Is your child complaining of tooth pain when they drink cold beverages or eat certain foods? This is likely due to tooth sensitivity. This sensation is both frustrating and uncomfortable. After all, no one wants to eliminate foods, drinks, or treats from their diet – especially kids. There are many causes of tooth sensitivity in children. Read on to learn about some of the different causes and how you can help to relieve your child’s tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are many reasons why children can experience tooth sensitivity. Here are some of the most common culprits for children.
- Poor Brushing Habits: When children aren’t brushing properly, their teeth and gums might become more sensitive over time. This is because they aren’t removing all of the food debris from their teeth. Foods can become lodged between your child’s teeth and irritate the gum tissue, leading to decay, infection, and sensitivity.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are small areas of tooth decay that make their way into the tooth. The larger the cavity, the more of an impact it can have on the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is what contains the nerves and blood supply. If their cavity gets big enough, they will likely feel some level of discomfort.
- Enamel Erosion: Too many acidic fruit juices and sugary candies can erode the teeth over time. The teeth can become more sensitive to outside stimuli, like cold temperatures.
- Sinus Infection: If your child has a sinus infection, the pressure could cause your child’s teeth to feel sensitive and tender due to the sinuses pressing down on the upper teeth. This affects both the nerves and causes the mouth to feel sore. Treating the sinus infection is the best way to address this.
- Permanent Teeth: As your child’s baby teeth come out and their permanent teeth erupt, they are likely to feel more sensitivity and discomfort in these areas.
How Can Sensitive Teeth Be Addressed in Kids?
Here are some of the ways that sensitivity can be treated to improve your child’s comfort/
- Sensitivity-Designed Products: There are various toothbrushes and toothpastes that are made specifically for tooth sensitivity.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: It’s important to encourage your children to brush their teeth regularly. You should monitor them when they brush to ensure that they are using the best techniques.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatment is a great option for kids. This is applied via a clear liquid varnish to the teeth.
Sensitive teeth are no fun – especially for kids. Take to your child’s dentist so you can get to the root of the issue and help them get some relief.
About the Practice
At Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Layne Benzley and Dr. Alex Sherman work together to treat the smallest of smiles in the Castle Rock community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If your child is struggling with tooth sensitivity, they would be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (303) 660-5373.