Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Dentist

Did you know that tooth sensitivity isn't just a problem adults struggle with? If you start to hear your child complain that hot or cold foods cause their teeth to hurt or that it is painful to brush their teeth, please give them the benefit of the doubt. Your child may have a dental problem that needs attention!

Do you know what to look for when it comes to dental sensitivity in kids, and how it can be addressed?

Common Causes of Dental Sensitivity

Here are a few of the most common reasons that your child may experience sensitive teeth. 

Cavities and decay - Keeping an eye on your child’s oral hygiene is important for keeping their teeth healthy. If your child struggles to brush their teeth regularly, has a poor diet, or has naturally weak enamel, they are at higher risk of developing cavities. When tooth decay becomes deep enough to affect the enamel, it exposes the layer beneath it, called dentin, which can lead to sensitivity and discomfort.

Enamel erosion - Many foods and beverages are acidic and can wear down and weaken enamel over time. If your child loves drinking fruit juice or soda, these drinks are not ideal for their oral health. Heavy consumption of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and sour candies coats the teeth in strong citric acid, which chemically softens and strips the enamel. As the enamel erodes, the more sensitive layers of the tooth can be exposed, causing pain or sensitivity. 

Loose or damaged fillings - If your child has a dental filling, this could be a potential cause of tooth sensitivity. If the seal between the filling and the tooth enamel breaks down, hot, cold, or sweet triggers can reach the sensitive inner layers and nerves. This breakdown can stem from loose bonding, recurrent decay, or microfactures in the tooth. 

Eruption of permanent teeth - Incoming permanent teeth can cause your child temporary sensitivity. As the permanent tooth pushes through the gums to displace the baby tooth, it triggers inflammation, making the surrounding area highly susceptible to hot, cold, and sugary foods. 

Cracked, broken, or infected teeth - If your child is experiencing severe dental sensitivity or pain, this often indicates a dental emergency. If you suspect that your child has cracked or broken a tooth, or if you notice redness or swelling, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. 

Help Your Child Find Relief

Any ongoing or worsening sensitivity your child complains of should be checked by a pediatric dentist. After an examination, the dentist may recommend the following:

Encourage Oral Hygiene

Thorough brushing and flossing every day can remove plaque and food debris. Keeping the teeth clean can lower the risk of sensitivity. If you have questions about how to help your child brush or floss properly, ask their dentist or hygienist for tips.

Products for Sensitive Teeth

There are many over-the-counter products, including toothpastes, that can desensitize the teeth's nerve endings. These products can help greatly reduce discomfort. 

Fluoride Application

Fluoride can help remineralize lost bits of tooth enamel and encourage the development of strong teeth. At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists may recommend a special toothpaste for your child to use at home if they are determined to be at higher risk for developing cavities.

Restorative Care

If your child has a cavity or significant damage to their teeth, they may require a filling, crown, or other restorative treatment. Pediatric restorative dental care aims to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth in children. Restore a healthy, cheerful smile with restorative dentistry at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry in Houston, TX.

At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, our team of skilled pediatric dentists is passionate about helping young smiles in our community. If your child is experiencing dental sensitivity or other symptoms of an oral health problem, we are ready to evaluate the situation and provide expert advice.

Welcome to Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry

Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry has four fun and welcoming locations throughout the greater Houston area, each with the goal of making young dental patients feel at home. There are fun games, ball pits, and lots of smiling faces ready to welcome young children, whether this is their first trip to the dentist or they have had a negative experience elsewhere. If your child is nervous about going to the dentist, we would love to give them a great experience.