Getting kids excited about brushing their teeth can be a challenge. But it’s an especially difficult task when kids experience tooth sensitivity, making the practice of good dental health habits painful. Tooth sensitivity can make it difficult for your child to speak, chew, and even breathe comfortably. That’s why it’s important to find the right remedy for tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, there are different treatment options available. Read on to discover how to relieve your child’s tooth sensitivity. Read on to discover our remedy for tooth sensitivity in your children.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity

Once the tooth enamel begins to wear down, the nerves underneath will become exposed, causing pain and sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold temperatures or even air. Luckily, there are a few ways to help your child ease the pain associated with tooth sensitivity. If your child begins to complain of pain in multiple teeth, sensitivity may be the culprit.

A number of circumstances could cause your child to experience tooth sensitivity. Here are a few of them:

• Damaged teeth: A chipped tooth can create tooth sensitivity. If your child damages his or her tooth playing sports or eating a crunchy snack, bacteria can irritate a tooth that has exposed dentin from a chip or crack. Excessive tooth grinding can also cause hairline cracks in the teeth, causing sensitivity.
• Cavities: Poor dental health habits, too many sugary snacks, and even genetics can contribute to cavities, leading to tooth sensitivity. The best way to protect your children’s teeth from cavities is to practice brushing their teeth for two minutes twice per day.
• Losing teeth: When your child loses baby teeth and grows permanent teeth, they might experience pain and sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures.

If your child complains of pain while chewing, talking, or brushing their teeth, be sure to contact your general or pediatric dentist for an evaluation.

Relieving Pain Caused by Tooth Sensitivity

While you’re waiting to see the dentist, there are ways to help relieve your child’s tooth pain.

• Change your child’s toothbrush: You should be changing your child’s toothbrush regularly anyway, but if your child is suddenly complaining of sensitive teeth, you may want to consider switching now. Make sure your child brushes with a soft-bristled brush or with one targeted to those with sensitive teeth.
• Switch toothpaste: There are many gentle toothpaste formulas for those with sensitive teeth. These types of toothpaste contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These ingredients will help block pain signals to the nerves of the teeth, easing the pain and giving your child much-needed relief.
• Use a mouthwash with fluoride: If cavities are causing your child’s tooth sensitivity, try a fluoride mouthwash as long as it is appropriate for your child’s age. You may also be able to purchase fluoride gel to use at home, but it will need to come from a dentist.
• Keep a diary of flare-ups: Certain foods can cause more discomfort for your child than others. Keep track of the foods your child eats and note which ones tend to cause the pain to worsen. Once you know what kinds of food make the pain worse, you can help your child avoid these foods.

Your child’s dentist will be able to help with more specific treatment options, but remember that prevention is key when it comes to tooth sensitivity. Encourage good tooth brushing and flossing for your child, and be sure to set the example for healthy dental hygiene habits. Your child should also visit the dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings.

Here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado, we believe that patients of all ages are entitled to healthy, painless smiles. Our team of doctors specializes in restoring smiles for years to come. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can help you!