If your little one has a toothache, it warrants a trip to their pediatric dentist. Although tooth sensitivity is often associated with aging, anyone can experience the unpleasant sensations, including children. If you notice your child is avoiding certain foods, being irritable at the dinner table, or turning their nose to ice cream, they might have sensitive teeth. Here are the most common culprits of tooth sensitivity in children.
Poor Brushing Habits
Children don’t have the best brushing and flossing habits. They may rush through their morning and nightly routine, leaving remnants of hard or crunchy foods stuck in their teeth. It’s not uncommon to push too hard when brushing or flossing, which can cause sore, inflamed gums.
It’s important for children to learn good oral hygiene habits from a young age. An electric toothbrush can help. Many come with timers and pressure sensors to help your little one learn how to brush correctly. If they view flossing as a chore, a waterflosser can make up for their shortcomings. It’s an easy, gentle solution to clean the most hard-to-reach areas in their mouth.
Cavities
Tooth decay is more common than childhood asthma. Early stages of decay can cause tooth sensitivity when having hot or cold foods and drinks. With no treatment, your little one can experience pain when chewing. Over time, they can develop a persistent toothache as decay reaches the tooth pulp, the innermost layer.
A root canal will be the only option to save a badly decayed or infected tooth. You can protect your child from needing root canal therapy by scheduling an appointment with their pediatric dentist. They can spot early signs of decay to provide quick treatment.
Enamel Erosion
Sugary foods and drinks create an acidic plaque that can erode tooth enamel over time. Enamel cannot grow back. This enamel can increase tooth sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold. It’s best to always encourage water instead of juice, soda, and sports drinks.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections can cause dental pain. Pressure in the sinuses can cause discomfort on the upper teeth, which can make their mouth feel tender or sore. Treating the infection will resolve their dental pain.
Tooth Fractures
Not all fractures are visible to the naked eye. Small fractures can cause pain, especially when placing pressure on a specific tooth. Their pediatric dentist can fix the crack to restore its health and function.
Tooth sensitivity in children isn’t anything to ignore. Contact their pediatric dentist for an appointment. In the meantime, avoid hot or cold foods and drinks. Offer soft foods that require minimal chewing. An age-appropriate pain reliever can also keep them comfortable.
About Dr. Ghulam Sheraz
Dr. Sheraz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He achieved his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his pediatric training at NYU Langone Health in Nashville. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office.