Kids’ teeth can also develop sensitivity and create great discomfort. Regardless of age, anyone can suffer from sensitive teeth and all the inconveniences related to them. The worst part is that sensitive teeth are all the more obvious when kids are biting down on their favorite ice cream or slurping their favorite homemade soup.

Patients with hypersensitive teeth just have all the more reason to hate the condition as it severely limits their options in food and fun activities. Furthermore, sensitive teeth can be indicative of severe dental health problems. So, if your kids suffer from sensitive teeth, you might want to pay close attention to what we have to say here.

At Kids Healthy Teeth, experienced and passionate pediatric dentists like Dr. Chen and Dr. Hunter-Griffith want to provide timely treatments for sensitive teeth in a kid-friendly and welcoming environment. Let’s check together what are some possible causes of tooth sensitivity and how we can treat them.

Why Are My Kids Teeth Sensitive?

Some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth in kids and adults include:

• Cracked or fractured teeth,
• Missing or worn fillings,
• Gum disease,
• Cavities.

Tooth decay alone, present in over 45.8% of all kids aged 2-19 according to the CDC, make tooth sensitivity one of the most common complaints we treat here at our Katy dental office. Kids who just want to enjoy an ice cream cone during the summer or their favorite winter-time hot chocolate come with their parents complaining about sensitive teeth.

However, tooth hypersensitivity is not, in and of itself, a dental health condition. In most cases, it’s a symptom of a much more complex dental problem. Ignoring this problem can compound the complications and create long-term negative effects on your kid’s dental health.

Exposed dentin is the most common source of tooth sensitivity. Tooth decay, dental cavities, caries, and general problems that erode your kid’s enamel layers around each tooth expose the soft tissue below.

When the dentin sits exposed to the environment or harmful agents, such as bacteria, your kid might develop sensitivity and pain. If you hear or note that your child complains when drinking or eating very hot or cold foods and drinks, take them to the pediatric dentist. They may face a tooth infection, and you won’t want that left untreated.

How to Solve Sensitive Teeth?

In mild cases, the treatment will be much simpler than you’d initially expect. Some over-the-counter treatments might even be enough. We could focus simply on managing the pain. Try some of the following:

• Using toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth. Since sensitivity is usually the result of exposed dentin, many manufacturers have come up with toothpaste formulas that help remineralize the enamel and fill the microscopic channels of the dentin for their protection.
• Using a fluoridated mouthwash. Mild gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can expose the dentin. Luckily, you can help your child quickly solve the inflammation with a return to good oral hygiene habits and using fluoride rinse frequently. Fluoride has properties that can strengthen the enamel and reduce the bacteria that are attacking your child’s teeth and gums.
• Getting softer toothbrushes. Hard bristles can wear away enamel and irritate your child’s gums, resulting in more sensitivity. Instead, please encourage them to brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Similarly, hard bristles can cause bleeding gums. Please watch out for these less-than-ideal choices for your kids’ toothbrushes.

• Brushing and flossing regularly. If your child isn’t brushing twice a day and flossing routinely, they are at risk for dental decay and cavities. Plaque is damaging to the enamel and can cause the dentin to become exposed. Make sure you help your child solve the deficiencies in their oral hygiene. If you don’t know how to help your kids, we share some ways to motivate your child to brush their teeth.

Can a Dental Sealant Help With Sensitive Teeth?

For severe cases of sensitive teeth or toothaches, see a pediatric dentist in Katy. Our experts at Kids Healthy Teeth can provide the dental treatment your child needs to start eating and drinking normally again.

There are other restorative dentistry treatments available in an office setting that could help your kid fix their problems with tooth sensitivity. Dental sealants could help as they literally seal away any openings on your kids’ teeth and prevent future problems with the tooth’s integrity.We want to help, and we’ll make sure your child leaves the office with a healthy smile on their face. Make an appointment today!