What Should You Do With Tooth Sensitivity in Children?

Tooth sensitivity in children can occur for a variety of reasons, but are usually a result of worn tooth enamel or tooth roots that have become exposed. Sometimes, sensitive teeth is triggered by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.  An in-office examination with Dr. Botero can help you find out for sure. Make an appointment with Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry to find out the reason for your child’s tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity in children can make eating and drinking cold foods and liquids very uncomfortable. Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry  is here to help you figure out the cause of your child’s symptoms! Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!

The Difference Between Tooth Sensitivity and Toothache

When we talk about tooth sensitivity in children, we are talking about pain or discomfort that is immediate when drinking or eating but then quickly goes away after. Toothache is different in that the pain lingers, throbbing constantly for longer periods of time and often without any reason.

Identify the Cause

When faced with tooth sensitivity in children, the first step is to identify what is causing the discomfort. As was mentioned, there are many reasons why a child may develop a tooth sensitivity. The following are all factors that can contribute to tooth sensitivity in children:

• Food lodged under the gum tissue. (Popcorn kernel or something else.)
• Exposed root surface. (Gum recession or a chipped tooth can cause this).
• Cavities.
• Sinus issues. Sinus pressure pain can feel like a tooth problem in your upper teeth.
• Fillings. Silver fillings can cause sensitivities.
• Brushing too hard/tooth brush with hard bristles. 

Our friendly team at Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry can help diagnose what is going on in your child’s mouth to get to the heart of the symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment. Don’t delay having your child seen when symptoms begin. The sooner you can get on top of an oral issue the better to avoid more serious complications.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity in Children

One of the first things that happens when treating tooth sensitivity in children is a careful examination of the teeth and gums which will often also include digital x-rays. Digital x-rays give Dr. Botero an inside look at what is going on under the surface of the teeth and gums so that problems can be identified more quickly.

After a thorough examination, Dr. Botero will prescribe treatment based on her findings. For some children this will begin with using a toothpaste specifically formulated to help treat tooth sensitivity in children. Dr. Botero will discuss with you appropriate options for desensitizing products based on your child’s age.

Mouthwash with fluoride can also help with teeth sensitivity in children and can be used in conjunction with desensitizing toothpaste.

Dr. Botero will also address how your child is brushing her teeth. If the bristles are too hard, or if your child is brushing too forcefully, you can develop a tooth sensitivity. Children should not use medium or hard bristled toothbrushes. Soft bristles are effective and better for younger children.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Botero and Team

If your child is experiencing tooth sensitivity, act today to take that pain away. Make our dental practice your new neighborhood dental home.  We treat children of all ages. Children who find a dental home they feel safe and taken care of in will eliminate common dental fears and phobias.

We provide children’s dentistry treatments in a friendly, happy environment with staff that is trained to handle the unique needs children present.

Tooth sensitivity in children is made manageable with the dedicated services of Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry. Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!