Dental sensitivity can strike at any age, and it’s not unheard of for even young children to deal with this issue. Thankfully, its symptoms can be easy to recognize, and it can often be treated at home. Here’s a brief guide to what can cause children to have sensitive teeth, a few suggestions for managing the issue at home, and how to tell if you need to bring your kid to the dentist’s office for treatment.
What Causes Dental Sensitivity in Children?
Children are not known for being enthusiastic about hygiene, and while they can develop dental sensitivity for many reasons, it often has something to do with inadequate oral care. A few causes of sensitive teeth in children include:
- Poor oral hygiene: If your child is not brushing and flossing adequately, they may have oral infections or debris stuck in their gums or between their teeth, leading to sensitivity.
- Tooth decay: Sensitivity often results from untreated cavities.
- Chipped or eroded enamel: Chewing on ice or found objects like writing utensils and paperclips or using teeth to open bottles or packages can damage your child’s enamel, leaving them more sensitive to temperature changes.
- Damaged fillings: Loose or cracked dental fillings can expose the interior of the tooth to debris, resulting in discomfort.
- Emerging permanent teeth: A child may develop dental sensitivity as their permanent teeth push their baby teeth out of their gums.
How Can I Manage My Child’s Dental Sensitivity at Home?
There are a few at-home methods to reduce your child’s discomfort. The first thing to try is improving your child’s oral hygiene. Make sure that they are brushing and flossing thoroughly and frequently, and it’s not a bad idea to perform your oral hygiene with them so they can see a good example. Sometimes, flossing is enough to dislodge the debris causing discomfort.
You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers for children to address minor dental sensitivity. While desensitizing toothpaste is available at stores, these products are designed for people older than twelve, so consult with your dentist before giving it to your child.
When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist’s Office?
While dental sensitivity is rarely an emergency, it can be if the discomfort is severe enough or if it doesn’t go away after a few days. If your child’s discomfort lasts for longer than thirty seconds at a time or if they complain about pain, call your dentist’s office to explain the situation and tell them you’re on your way. Dentists can address dental sensitivity in children with a thorough oral cleaning or a fluoride treatment or by repairing damaged fillings.
Watching your child deal with oral discomfort can be quite distressing. By knowing what to do if your child has sensitive teeth, you can help restore their comfort and preserve their dental health.
About the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clarke earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry where she also completed a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her office in Towson offers children’s general, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If your child is dealing with stubborn dental sensitivity, dial (443) 608-5005 or contact her practice online.