Tooth Sensitivity can be uncomfortable and affect children in different ways. Do you have a difficult time getting your child to brush their teeth? Your child may also refuse to eat certain foods or become moody or irritable.
You may chalk it up to being strong-willed but it could be something else. Your child may have a teeth sensitivity issue. Understanding what causes sensitive teeth can help your child avoid these symptoms.
COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY IN KIDS
There are many reasons why your child may be experiencing sensitivity, but most of the reasons can be traced back to poor oral hygiene. This is why it is so important to encourage your child to develop healthy dental habits and keep regular pediatric dental visits at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry.
HERE ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY IN KIDS
POOR BRUSHING HABITS
By brushing poorly, children may find their teeth and gums are more sensitive. Sensitivity can come due to not properly removing food particles from the teeth. Food can irritate the gums, cause bad breath and tooth decay, and even lead to infection.
CAVITIES AND DECAY
Tooth decay that starts on the enamel’s surface and makes its way into the tooth is called cavities. The larger the cavity becomes, the more likely it will have an impact on the tooth’s pulp. Once the decay reaches the pulp, the tooth’s nerve can become irritated and cause pain.
ENAMEL EROSION
Drinking too many acidic fruit juices and eating a lot of sugar-laden candy are common foods that erode the enamel of children’s teeth. Once this happens, the teeth may become more sensitive to outside stimulation, like drinking a cold glass of water or eating ice cream.
LOOSE OR CRACKED FILLINGS
Tooth fillings are designed to replace areas of decay on a tooth. Although tooth fillings are typically very durable, they do not always last forever. If a filling breaks or becomes loose, it can cause sensitivity when your child drinks something hot or cold or bites down on a hard piece of food. If you suspect your child has a loose or broken filling, it is important to see the dentist as soon as possible.
HELPFUL TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
CHOOSE A TOOTHPASTE DESIGNED FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Some kinds of toothpaste are made for sensitive teeth issues. These products work by desensitizing the nerve within the tooth, so sensations from the tooth’s surface do not reach the nerve. Consult with your dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry before allowing your child to use this type of toothpaste and ask for their recommendations.
FLUORIDE TO STRENGTHEN TEETH
Another option to help with tooth sensitivity is fluoride treatments. Fluoride strengthens the teeth’s enamel, which lowers the risk of tooth decay. If cavities are causing your child’s tooth sensitivity, and your Greater Houston Pediatric Dentist believes your child has a higher-than-average risk for tooth decay, he or she may recommend additional fluoride treatments. These may include prescription fluoride gel and foam.
ENCOURAGING GOOD ORAL CARE HABITS
To help your child prevent and treat sensitive teeth, make sure they are taking care of their teeth. Brushing and flossing once a day is very important. This will help keep teeth and gums healthy, lowering the risk for cavities, and leading to teeth sensitivity.
Also, consider purchasing a toothbrush with soft bristles. This reduces the risk of irritating gums and teeth enamel that may occur by brushing teeth too vigorously.
CONCLUSION
Teeth sensitivity normally happens during young adulthood, but occasionally it can happen to children. It’s important to determine the underlying reason. These could include sensitivity to a toothpaste flavor, tooth decay, or sensitivity due to autism. Whatever the reason, don’t let this keep your child from good oral health habits. If tooth sensitivity continues, consult your pediatric dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry.