Tooth Sensitivity In Children: What Are The Causes & Treatments?
Tooth sensitivity is a condition that can affect adults and children of all ages. It can cause stinging and shocking sensations that can be difficult to bear. As a parent, protecting your child from this affliction is important, and to do this, knowledge of the condition is essential. Therefore, we will explore the causes and treatments in this article to take the necessary actions quickly and with ease.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Also called dentin hypersensitivity, it is a pain or discomfort in the teeth that responds to certain stimuli, such as cold or hot temperatures. The duration of the condition can either be temporary or chronic, and it can affect any number of teeth. To ease the discomfort, you will have to visit a pediatric dentist to identify the cause and receive treatment.
What are the causes of tooth sensitivity in children?
There are many reasons tooth sensitivity can occur in children; six of the most prominent ones are mentioned below.
Cavities
Cavities are the leading tooth-related problem in children. They typically develop due to a high sugar intake and a lack of correct dental practices, leading to a bacterial buildup. The bacteria converts to acid and erodes the enamel forming a cavity. As the top layer of the tooth is worn down, it exposes the dentin layer, which is connected to nerves, causing sensitivity.
New teeth
When children lose their baby teeth, the new teeth that emerge in their place are tender and sensitive. Until they erupt entirely, the tooth will hurt when it makes contact with food or air.
Sinusitis
The sinuses are empty spaces located in your skull that are connected to the nasal cavity. When the tissue lining them becomes inflamed, it increases pressure in the area and leads to a fluid buildup. This causes pain and sensitivity, typically in the upper rear teeth located closest to the sinus.
Silver amalgam fillings
Silver amalgam fillings, a common material used to fill cavities in the teeth, can make teeth sensitive due to their high thermal conductivity.
Cracks
Cracked teeth can be painful and cause tooth sensitivity due to the exposed dentin layer. Teeth do not always crack due to injuries. For children, misaligned teeth or a grinding habit can cause hairline cracks that sting when consuming food.
Over-brushing teeth
When children brush their teeth too vigorously or use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, they can wear away the enamel and gums, causing sensitivity.
What are the treatments?
Once our orthodontist in Dubai diagnoses tooth sensitivity, they will recommend treatments based on the underlying cause. If cavities are to blame, then fillings can help treat the condition. The dentist can also remove silver amalgam fillings and replace them with porcelain or composite ones. For issues with dental hygiene, guiding your child on the correct way to brush teeth can be helpful.
If an underlying condition such as sinusitis is responsible for the sensitivity, you will have to treat that condition first, after which the symptoms will reduce. If the sensitivity is mild, we recommend toothpaste or gels containing desensitizing agents to block the nerves. Changing the toothbrush to a soft-bristled one can also help avoid over-brushing.
Tooth sensitivity should not be ignored, as it could become worse without medical attention. In addition, the underlying condition could also cause further complications. Therefore, when you detect the symptoms of this condition in your child, bring them to the Invisalign Center in Dubai for immediate treatment.
