Tooth sensitivity occurs when a child experiences discomfort or pain in their teeth, especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. This sensation happens when the protective layer of enamel wears down or the gums recede, exposing the sensitive inner part of the tooth. While it’s common in adults, children can also experience tooth sensitivity, and addressing it early can prevent further complications.
Symptoms
Signs that your child may have sensitive teeth include:
• Complaints of pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
• Avoiding certain foods or beverages due to discomfort
• Flinching or wincing during brushing or flossing
• Sudden sensitivity in a previously healthy tooth
• Complaints of pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
• Avoiding certain foods or beverages due to discomfort
• Flinching or wincing during brushing or flossing
• Sudden sensitivity in a previously healthy tooth
Causes
Several factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity in children, including:
• Enamel erosion: Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can wear down tooth enamel.
• Tooth grinding: Habitual clenching or grinding (bruxism) can weaken enamel and expose the inner layers of the tooth.
• Tooth decay or cavities: These can expose sensitive areas of the tooth.
• Gum recession: Poor oral hygiene or gum disease may cause gums to pull back, exposing sensitive roots.
• Recent dental procedures: Treatments like fillings or braces adjustments can temporarily make teeth more sensitive.
• Cracked or chipped teeth: Damage to a tooth can expose its inner, sensitive layers.
• Enamel erosion: Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can wear down tooth enamel.
• Tooth grinding: Habitual clenching or grinding (bruxism) can weaken enamel and expose the inner layers of the tooth.
• Tooth decay or cavities: These can expose sensitive areas of the tooth.
• Gum recession: Poor oral hygiene or gum disease may cause gums to pull back, exposing sensitive roots.
• Recent dental procedures: Treatments like fillings or braces adjustments can temporarily make teeth more sensitive.
• Cracked or chipped teeth: Damage to a tooth can expose its inner, sensitive layers.
Diagnosis
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, our pediatric dentists use a thorough approach to identify the cause of sensitivity, which includes:
• Reviewing your child’s dental history and habits
• Conducting a physical exam to check for enamel loss, cavities, or gum issues
• Performing diagnostic X-rays to identify underlying issues like decay or cracks
• Reviewing your child’s dental history and habits
• Conducting a physical exam to check for enamel loss, cavities, or gum issues
• Performing diagnostic X-rays to identify underlying issues like decay or cracks
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of the sensitivity. Solutions may include:
• Fluoride treatments: Strengthening enamel with fluoride applications or toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
• Sealants: Protecting exposed tooth surfaces with a special coating.
• Gum treatments: Addressing gum recession or inflammation to protect tooth roots.
• Dietary changes: Reducing sugary and acidic foods to prevent further enamel damage.
• Custom mouthguards: Preventing enamel wear caused by teeth grinding during sleep.
• Cavity or damage repair: Treating decay or fixing cracked teeth with fillings, crowns, or other restorative procedures.
• Fluoride treatments: Strengthening enamel with fluoride applications or toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
• Sealants: Protecting exposed tooth surfaces with a special coating.
• Gum treatments: Addressing gum recession or inflammation to protect tooth roots.
• Dietary changes: Reducing sugary and acidic foods to prevent further enamel damage.
• Custom mouthguards: Preventing enamel wear caused by teeth grinding during sleep.
• Cavity or damage repair: Treating decay or fixing cracked teeth with fillings, crowns, or other restorative procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
A: Tooth sensitivity may resolve if it’s temporary (e.g., after a dental procedure). However, persistent sensitivity should be addressed to prevent worsening.
Q: How can I prevent tooth sensitivity in my child?
A: Ensure proper oral hygiene, limit sugary and acidic foods, and schedule regular dental checkups. Fluoride toothpaste can also help strengthen enamel.
Q: Is sensitive toothpaste safe for children?
A: Yes, sensitive toothpaste is generally safe for children, but always consult your dentist to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s needs.
Contact
Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.
