What Causes Tooth Sensitivity in Kids?
As adults, we’re used to the feeling of . Oftentimes, we can tell the difference between when something is expected and when it’s abnormal. Children, on the other hand, may find tooth sensitivity completely foreign. Therefore, it’s important to inform our Grandville pediatric dentists of your child’s sensitive teeth so we can find out what’s really going on.
Here’s what you need to know about and common causes.
When Sensitive Teeth Are “Normal”
Children are growing and changing. Their mouths are not exempt from this continued growth so naturally, their teeth may feel a little different at times. This is not to say that all dental pain can be explained away and ignored.
If your child ever complains of prolonged tooth pain or sensitivity, our pediatric dentists urge you to take it seriously and bring them into our Grandville pediatric dental office. Once here, we can perform an oral exam and find the source of the discomfort. Sensitive teeth can of course be traced back to a benign reason but it’s better not to take the chance.
Your Child May Have Sensitive Teeth Because Of:
1) Incoming Teeth
No matter if your child is getting their first baby tooth or an adult tooth is already poking its way through, new teeth can hurt. Aside from increased sensitivity, it’s common for this process to result in sore gums, a mild temperature change, and jaw pain.
If new teeth end up being the cause, expect your child to possibly react negatively to hot or cold foods. Even exposing their mouth to air can feel uncomfortable. However, this is normal, and our pediatric dentists are more than happy to provide tips for helping your child overcome their discomfort as their teeth erupt.
2) A Damaged Tooth
Typically, your child would notice if they cracked or chipped a tooth. Maybe it happened accidentally during recess or at sports practice. There is a chance, however, that a small crack or fracture occurred while they were sleeping.
Grinding or clenching your teeth is more likely to happen as an adult but children can start the habit as well. Odds are, they don’t even know they’re doing it. To help, our pediatric dentists can repair the damaged tooth and discuss ways to stop your child’s grinding and clenching.
3) A Recent Sugar Overload
Sugary foods and drinks are fine as occasional treats but children shouldn’t consume them in excess. Pair too much sugar with a lack of brushing or flossing and their smile is on the fast track to developing complications. One of which is sensitivity.
A fair amount of sugar over time can lead to a breakdown of the enamel that protects your child’s teeth. Less enamel means more of the inner (and more sensitive) layers of the tooth are exposed. Check the labels on food or drinks you give your kids and always remind them to brush their teeth at least twice a day.
4) Ignored Cavities
Has your child let you know that they’re experiencing increased sensitivity on one tooth or in a specific area? If so, this could mean they have a cavity. When a cavity is small, it may appear as a white spot but will darken if left alone. The tooth will also become more sensitive as the cavity grows and the decay deepens.
Our pediatric dentists can fill the cavity with a tooth-colored composite resin material that matches your child’s natural enamel. A pediatric dental crown can also be used if the cavity is more severe.
To prevent cavities on the back molars, our dentists recommend the application of dental sealants which effectively “seal” out food particles and decay.
Schedule a Visit Today!
Sensitive teeth can mean your child is growing normally. The condition can also hint at something wrong. Regardless, it’s always good to play it safe and allow our pediatric dentists in Grandville, MI, to investigate further. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430 to request an appointment.