What Should I Do If My Child Has Sensitive Teeth?

Many children deal with teeth sensitivity that can get in the way of eating or proper oral hygiene. To make matters worse, the discomfort it can cause during brushing or when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks can lead children to exhibit irritability, mood swings, or dietary restrictions. Here’s some information about what causes dental sensitivity in children as well as a few tips for preventing the problem and treating it when it happens.

What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity in Children?

Dental sensitivity in children usually stems from poor oral hygiene, which is one of the reasons why adopting proper teeth-cleaning habits early is so important. Here are a few reasons why children may develop sensitivity in their teeth:

Poor oral hygiene

If your child isn’t brushing properly, their teeth and gums may become too sensitive for comfort. This can be because shards of hard or crunchy foods have wedged themselves between the teeth or in the gums, causing irritation and inflammation. It’s important to start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they begin to emerge in infancy.

Tooth decay

If a child isn’t practicing proper oral hygiene, they will eventually develop tooth decay. Tooth decay begins by eating away at the enamel on the surface until it can infect the inner layers of the tooth. If this goes untreated, it will eventually infect the pulp at the center, causing a severe toothache.

Enamel loss

Acidic beverages and sugary candies can eat away at your child’s enamel, depriving the teeth of protection and insulation and resulting in dental sensitivity. Cola products are one of the worst culprits behind enamel erosion in children. Ensure your child is drinking water as their primary beverage to prevent tooth decay.

How Can Sensitive Teeth Be Treated in Children?

Thankfully, there are several ways to effectively treat your child’s dental sensitivity. A few of these include:

Help your child practice excellent oral hygiene

Your child should be brushing at least twice and flossing at least once every day and should start using antibacterial mouthwash after the age of six. Model proper brushing and flossing techniques for them and check to make sure they are cleaning their mouths thoroughly.

Use hygiene products designed for sensitive teeth

Many brands produce toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically for people with sensitive teeth. Try some of these products to help your child brush comfortably and ask your dentist for further recommendations.

Schedule your child for a dentist’s appointment

Regular dental appointments are an essential part of keeping developing teeth healthy and strong. If your child has sensitive teeth, your dentist can provide fluoride treatments, resolve tooth decay, and employ other methods to address the issue.

About the Practice

Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics takes pride in providing quality, friendly dental care for families in Chicago, IL. Led by a team of seven dentists, the staff delivers effective oral health treatments alongside exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include pediatric and emergency dentistry for kids of all ages along with orthodontics for kids, teens, and adults. For more information on caring for your child’s sensitive teeth, contact the office online or dial (312) 766-0995.