How To Manage Your Child’s Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be painful and frustrating for you and your child. If tooth sensitivity goes untreated, it can begin to interfere with your child’s everyday life, including brushing habits and diet. Teeth can have a sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, overly sugar foods, and even exposure to the air.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity

In most cases, tooth sensitivity is caused by the thinning or wearing down of your child’s enamel. Enamel protects the tooth’s nerve endings, which can be extremely sensitive and vulnerable. If the enamel wears down over time or is naturally thinner due to genetics, these nerve endings can become exposed, causing pain and sensitivity.

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to help reduce your child’s tooth sensitivity. These options include:

• Toothpaste Changes – This is the easiest and most cost-effective choice. There are many toothpaste options targeted towards sensitive teeth. The brand doesn’t matter, as long as the toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, which will protect the nerve endings of the teeth. If you have any questions about which toothpaste your child should be using, please contact our office.
• Avoiding Acids – Acidic food or beverages can cause the enamel to wear away even more quickly. Avoid serving your child sodas, pickled foods, or juice.
• Brushing Gently – Another quick way to break down your child’s enamel is by brushing too vigorously. As long as you’re brushing your child’s teeth for a full two minutes each time you brush, there’s no need to be rough! Try a gentler touch and encourage your child to brush gently if he or she is old enough to brush on their own.

If your child is suffering from tooth sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to bring it up with Dr. Matthew Brady at your child’s next appointment.

To make an appointment at Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry, please contact our Parker, Colorado children’s dentist office today!