Sensitive Teeth in Children
Does your little one grimace when they take a bite of ice cream or sip a hot drink? Do they make faces while brushing their teeth or flossing? If that's the case, your child may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can indicate a dental concern that needs attention, but our friendly pediatric dental experts at Milestone Kids Dentistry are here to help. Read on to learn more about sensitive teeth in kids, how to prevent it, treatments, and more!
How Do I Know If My Child Has Sensitive Teeth?
If you suspect that your child may have sensitive teeth, there are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for. Sensitive teeth can feel like a mild twinge or severe discomfort that lasts for hours. The roots of the teeth, which lack the protection of hard enamel, contain numerous tiny tubules that lead to the tooth’s soft center, known as the pulp. These dentinal tubules act as channels, allowing various stimuli such as hot, cold, or sweet foods to reach the nerve within the tooth, resulting in the sensation of pain.
Tooth sensitivity can cause a sudden, sharp, or stinging sensation in the affected teeth. Your child may wince or feel a twinge of pain while brushing their teeth or flossing, especially around the gum line. Additionally, breathing in cold air or touching the teeth with certain objects can trigger sensitivity. It’s important to note that tooth sensitivity can also serve as an early warning sign of more serious dental problems. Our pediatric dentists at Milestone Kids Dentistry can examine your child’s teeth and discuss the best treatment.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth in Children?
Tooth sensitivity in kids happens when the protective layer of their teeth, called enamel, gets worn down and exposes the sensitive part underneath, called dentin. This often occurs at the gum line, where the enamel is usually thinner. There are a few things that can cause tooth sensitivity in children:
- Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with too much force can wear away the enamel and make the teeth sensitive.
- Eating or drinking acidic stuff like citrus fruits or soda can erode the enamel, exposing the dentin and causing sensitivity. Sometimes, when gums shrink back naturally, the tooth roots can get exposed too, making them sensitive.
- Gum disease, which can occur when plaque or tartar builds up, can make the gum recede and expose the tooth roots. This can lead to sensitivity.
- If your child grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw, it can wear down the enamel and make the teeth sensitive.
- A cracked tooth or filling can expose the inside of the tooth and cause sensitivity.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment for Children
During your dental examination, our team will discuss the symptoms your child is experiencing. We will carefully examine your kid’s teeth to determine the underlying cause of the sensitivity and the most suitable treatment options. To provide relief, we may use specialized “desensitizing” products on the affected teeth. These can include fluoride gels, rinses, or sealant varnishes that act as protective coatings.
The application of these products can be done during your child’s regular dental appointments, spaced about one or two weeks apart, to gradually build up protection. Keep in mind that it may take some time and a few visits for your child to feel improvement. If these treatments don’t fully resolve the issue, our dental team may suggest sealing or filling the area where the tooth meets the gum to cover the exposed dentin. Rest assured, our dental team will guide kids and parents through the process and provide the best care possible.
How To Prevent Sensitive Teeth in Children
To keep your child’s teeth free from sensitivity, there are some preventative measures you can take. A good first step is to change some of your kid’s daily dental hygiene tools. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with our dentists before introducing desensitizing products to children under 12.
You can add toothpaste specifically designed for children’s sensitive teeth. A fluoride mouthwash can also be beneficial in combating tooth sensitivity caused by cavities – just make sure it’s suitable for your child’s age group. When selecting a toothbrush, opt for a soft-bristled one, as medium or hard brushes may cause discomfort. For the littlest ones, extra soft brushes provide gentle care for their sensitive teeth. Remember, prevention is key, and these simple steps can make a difference in keeping your child’s teeth happy and sensitivity-free!
Pediatric Sensitive Teeth Treatment in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Arlington, WA
Tooth sensitivity can really put a damper on your child’s day and make them miss out on the joys of their favorite treats. But fear not, at Milestone Kids Dentistry, we’re here to be your trusted allies in tackling tooth sensitivity! With our specialized treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs, we’ll get to the root of the problem (pun intended!) and offer effective solutions. Trust us to deliver gentle and compassionate dental care, because your child’s comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Schedule an appointment with us today!