Tooth Sensitivity In Kids: Causes & What To Do About It

Most people today suffer from tooth sensitivity. Unfortunately, even kids can suffer from tooth sensitivity. Children with tooth sensitivity usually complain of tooth pains after eating hot or cold foods or drinking hot or cold beverages. They may also complain of tooth pain while brushing their teeth. Many factors can cause tooth sensitivity in children, and parents need to be aware of these factors to keep a watchful eye on them.

The good news is that teeth sensitivity in kids can be treated. Below are some of the main causes of tooth sensitivity in kids and what you can do about it.

Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity In Kids

Tooth sensitivity in kids may be a result of:

Poor brushing patterns: To prevent the occurrence of tooth sensitivity, it is important to teach kids proper brushing techniques early on in life. This helps not only to prevent cavities but can also protect the enamel and gums. Improper brushing techniques could cause erosion of the enamel and gum, leading to tooth sensitivity. To prevent this, kids should use toothbrushes with soft bristles and be taught how much pressure they should apply to their teeth while they brush.
Cavities: Cavities can be another cause of tooth sensitivity and discomfort. Cavity formation can be prevented by ensuring kids brush their teeth twice daily for a minimum of two minutes.
Sinuses: Children prone to sinus problems may also experience tooth sensitivity with teeth close to the top of the mouth. Sinuses are located quite close to the roof of the mouth. Therefore, when sinus pressure increases, kids might feel oral pain. A child dental care Fullerton visit might be required to ensure that this symptom is not a result of cavities or an abscess.
Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding is a habit that should be discouraged in kids as it can affect the dental health of kids and cause sensitivity. Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel and cause hairline cracks in teeth which can cause teeth sensitivity. The occurrence of teeth cracks has also been shown to be increased in kids with misaligned teeth.
Dental fillings: Metal amalgam fillings can cause tooth sensitivity in kids. These filings are better conductors than the enamel of the tooth. Therefore, they can cause expansion and contraction of the tooth, which could cause compression of the tooth’s nerve and the creation of hairline cracks.
Loss of baby teeth: Emergence or permanent teeth could cause sensitivity in kids. They may also experience pain from other factors such as food, air, and hot or cold drinks.
Orthodontics: Children with braces usually brush with a back-and-forth motion. Over time, this can cause erosion of the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity In Kids: What You Can Do About It

Tooth sensitivity in kids can be treated. One of the best ways to prevent tooth sensitivity in kids is to ensure that they undergo routine dental checks by pediatric dentistry in Fullerton. Some other methods of resolving sensitive teeth in kids include:

Desensitizing Toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste is a great way of resolving sensitive teeth. However, it is important to first consult child dentistry in Fullerton before desensitizing toothpaste on kids, especially those under the age of twelve.
Fluoride Treatments: This therapy is recommended for tooth sensitivity due to cavities. Fluoride treatments aim to use fluoride to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and therefore lower the risk of further tooth decay.
Proper oral hygiene: Good oral care habits can reduce teeth sensitivity. Children’s dentistry Fullerton recommends tooth brushing twice daily and regular flossing. Maintaining these habits in kids can maintain gum and tooth health and reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and cavity formation. Kids should also use toothbrushes with soft bristles to prevent irritation of gums and erosion of the enamel during vigorous brushing.

Tooth sensitivity in kids can cause discomfort and pain to both the kids and their caregivers. Thankfully, tooth sensitivity in kids can be treated successfully. If you have a kid experiencing tooth sensitivity symptoms, you should book an appointment with an orthodontist in Fullerton or call at 714-871-8445 today.