How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity in Kids

Although you should prioritize it the same way, dental care for children differs from that of adults. The primary reason is that adults have a greater pain tolerance than children. Therefore, parents are more likely to respond hastily to their children’s dental needs than their own. If you see your child in dental pain, consider visiting a family dentist in Kennewick for diagnosis and treatment.

Tooth Sensitivity for Children

Tooth sensitivity can make it very unbearable for anyone, leave alone children. The sensitivity causes dull or sharp pain in your mouth when exposed to high or low temperatures. When your child experiences a heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods, the important thing is to get to the root cause of the problem.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

A dentist in pediatric dentistry in Kennewick, WA, will tell you that many factors can contribute to heightened tooth sensitivity for children. The following are the most common ones:

1. Early stages of dental cavities – when a dental carie is yet to develop on a tooth, your child will experience hypersensitivity. Sometimes a tooth cavity can develop without signs of darkening or browning of the tooth enamel. The early signs of oral cavities can be white spots on a tooth, typically noticed by a dentist during a dental exam.
2. Cracked or broken tooth – although tooth fractures damage the external framework of a tooth, it is not always the case. A crack or break can cause hypersensitivity if there is nerve damage. It is especially the case if the crack is due to dental injury or accident.
3. New teeth erupting – whether your child is developing teeth for the first time or growing permanent teeth after losing baby teeth, the process can be uncomfortable. Although many children experience sore gums, pain, and swelling, others can experience sensitivity. The sensitivity can be due to exposure to air, not just hot or cold foods.
4. Enamel thinning – although it is common among adults, children too can experience enamel thinning. It occurs for kids when they consume many sugary foods that increase acidity in the mouth. Increased acidity wears down teeth’ enamel and can cause hypersensitivity.
5. Sinus infection – did you know that sinuses can cause teeth hypersensitivity? Any condition that makes the roof of the mouth tender, including allergies and sinus infections can lead to hypersensitivity.

Solutions for Pediatric Tooth Sensitivity

Even though you may not fully prevent dental problems from occurring, there are measures you can take to protect your child’s oral health. Dentists in Kennewick, WA, are big on preventive dentistry for children, creating great foundations that will help them excel in oral health in the long term. Some solutions we offer in our dental offices at A Family Dental Centre are:

1. Use sensitive-friendly teeth products for children – especially regarding toothpaste and brushes. Find soft-bristled toothbrushes that will not be too abrasive to aggravate teeth sensitivity.
2. Fluoride treatment – dentists administer this treatment to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of dental cavities. Fluoride creates an extra layer of protection over teeth, playing a major role in overcoming tooth sensitivity. Besides, fluoride treatment can help reverse the development of cavities in the early stages.
3. Dental sealants – sealants for sensitive teeth are often for adult treatments, but children can benefit too. Dental sealants also create a barrier of protection over the chewing surfaces of teeth. It reduces direct contact with foods, hence reducing sensitivity. The good news is that sealants for teeth last a long time, protecting your child’s teeth for the next 5 or so years.
4. Routine dental exams – allowing a pediatric dentist to examine and evaluate your kid’s oral health will help identify any anomalies early. The dentist can prioritize preventive care by covering cavity-prone parts of the oral cavity.
5. Regular dental cleanings – other than all preventive dental protocols to protect teeth, dental cleanings are crucial for overcoming sensitivity in children. Cleanings rid the mouth of plaque and tartar that cause dental cavities and other oral infections. If you take up routine dental cleanings, they will compliment your child’s oral hygiene routines at home.