Tooth sensitivity in children
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem in children that can cause pain and discomfort when eating and drinking. Sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, such as tooth enamel erosion, tooth decay and poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are steps parents and their paediatric dentist can take to prevent and treat tooth sensitivity in children.
- Causes of sensitivity.
- Prevention of tooth sensitivity in children
- Treatment for tooth sensitivity in children
- Conclusions
Causes of tooth sensitivity
- Tooth decay: is often the main cause and the painful sensation usually occurs when drinking hot or cold drinks and/or chewing.
- New teeth: The eruption of the tooth itself can cause some sensitivity.
- Cracks in the tooth: Having a cracked or damaged tooth from a blow or from clenching and grinding your teeth at night can also be a very common cause.
- Fillings: Filled teeth are no longer as strong as usual and are sometimes more sensitive than at other times. In addition, children with silver amalgam fillings may experience more sensitivity to hot/cold due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause tooth sensitivity, particularly in the upper molars.
- Incorrect brushing: Brushing teeth with horizontal and forceful movements can damage gums and wear away enamel, leaving nerves exposed.
Preventing tooth sensitivity in children
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent tooth sensitivity in children. Here are a few tips:
- Proper brushing: Proper brushing is essential to prevent tooth sensitivity in children. Parents should ensure that children brush their teeth three times a day with fluoride toothpaste. Children should also be supervised during brushing to make sure they are using the correct technique and brushing all areas of the mouth, brushing should be done in a circular and vertical manner, and always using a soft-bristled brush.
- Healthy eating: Healthy eating is important to prevent tooth sensitivity in children. Parents should limit the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as soft drinks and sweets, as they can erode tooth enamel. Instead, they should encourage the consumption of calcium-rich foods, such as milk and cheese, which can strengthen teeth.
- Dental protection: Children who participate in contact sports should wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from injury. Mouthguards are designed to absorb impact and prevent damage to teeth.
- Regular visits to the dentist: Regular visits to Arcdental’s paediatric dentist are important to prevent tooth sensitivity in children. At udemax clinics we can detect and treat dental health problems at an early stage, before they become more serious problems.
Treating tooth sensitivity in children
Dental treatments: Dental treatments can help treat tooth sensitivity in children. A dental sealant can be applied in the clinic to protect teeth from erosion and decay. They can also apply a dental varnish to reduce sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel.
Use of dental products for sensitivity: There are a variety of dental products available to treat tooth sensitivity in children. Dentists may recommend a special sensitivity toothpaste containing fluoride and desensitisers to reduce sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel. Special mouthwashes are also available to treat tooth sensitivity.
Dietary changes: Dietary changes can help treat tooth sensitivity in children. Parents should limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks and encourage consumption of healthy calcium-rich foods.
Home treatments: Home treatments can help treat tooth sensitivity in children. Children can use desensitising gels or creams on their teeth to reduce sensitivity. They can also use soft toothbrushes to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
It is important that parents take note of any signs of tooth sensitivity in their children and talk to Arcdental to seek appropriate treatment.
With proper care from our paediatric dentists, children can overcome tooth sensitivity and enjoy a healthy, happy smile.
Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on .
At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the bases of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
