What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity in Children?
Does a scoop of ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup leave your child wincing with pain? Just like adults, children can experience tooth sensitivity, leaving them uncomfortable around hot or cold foods and even sweet treats. Dr. Halum, Dr. Savage, and their team at Dentistry for Children will determine the causes of your child’s tooth sensitivity to provide real, lasting relief.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity and What Are Its Causes?
Tooth sensitivity is a condition characterized by sharp pain or discomfort in response to certain triggers, including hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods and beverages, tooth brushing, or even exposure to cold air. The discomfort is typically immediate but subsides soon after the cause is removed.
The following are some of the causes of tooth sensitivity in children:
- Vigorous Brushing: Brushing too hard can result in tooth enamel erosion and gum recession, leaving your child with tooth sensitivity.
- Permanent Teeth Erupting: When a permanent tooth is coming in, it doesn’t take much to cause tooth sensitivity, with hot or cold, and even a gust of air making painful contact.
- Cavities: Cavities can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort, requiring prompt treatment to help keep the decay from progressing.
- Acidic Foods: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus or sodas, can gradually wear away your child’s tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive underlying layer of dentin.
- Tooth Cracks or Damage: A tooth crack or fracture can expose the inner structures of your child’s tooth, leading to inflammation, infection, and tooth sensitivity.
- Damaged or Missing Dental Restorations: A faulty dental filling or broken crown can provide an entryway to the tooth’s inner structures, leading to sensitivity and discomfort.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding and clenching the teeth during sleep can lead to tooth enamel wear or fracture, exposing the underlying dentin layer, and leading to sensitivity and discomfort.
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Treated in Children?
At times, tooth sensitivity may subside on its own. However, if the discomfort persists, our team at Dentistry for Children is here to help. Our dedicated dentists and team will check for tooth decay or damage, gum recession, or any other oral health concerns to uncover the cause of your child’s discomfort.
The following are some of the treatments we may recommend to provide your child with the needed relief:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Make sure your little one brushes gently with a soft-bristled brush to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation, helping reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity.
- Restorative Care: If a chipped, cracked, or decayed tooth is causing your child’s tooth sensitivity, we may recommend restorations, such as dental fillings or pediatric crowns, to restore their oral health and relieve any discomfort.
- Repairing Damaged Dental Work: If a damaged filling or faulty crown is causing tooth sensitivity, we may recommend replacing it with a new restoration.
- Fluoride Treatment: We may recommend topical fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Make sure to check with our team at Dentistry for Children before allowing a child under age 12 to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
- Night Guard: If teeth grinding is the cause of your child’s tooth sensitivity, we may recommend a custom night guard to protect the enamel and underlying structure from excessive wear and damage.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment for Children Near Me in Highland, IN
Contact Dentistry for Children to learn more about treating tooth sensitivity in children. Dr. Halum, Dr. Savage, and their kid-friendly team will determine the source of your child’s discomfort to provide prompt treatment, restoring their healthy, pain-free smile. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!