Your child seems to have more sensitive teeth than others. Maybe they don’t like ice cream, maybe they complain about their toothpaste, or maybe they despise visiting the dentist. Whatever it is, there’s a clear sign that something more complicated than grouchiness is afoot. But what do you do? Is there a way to help ease their dental discomfort?
Actually, there are a couple of different things you can do for your child’s sensitive teeth. Let’s take a deep dive into it.
Make Sure the Root Problem is Dental Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is fairly common in young adults and seniors, but not children. If your kiddo experiences a short, sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods or putting pressure on their teeth, it could mean a lot of things. You should visit your pediatric dentist to rule out possibilities such as cavities or dental damage. If the worst case happens to be the scenario, the silver lining is that sensitivity symptoms will likely vanish after treatment.
Dental Discomfort can Indicate a Sinus Infection
The funny thing about teeth is that they’re real close to our sinuses. When sinuses swell, it can exert pressure on our teeth, which causes sensitivity. Some people can tell they’re about to get the sniffles because their teeth feel sore! Fortunately, this is another case where dental sensitivity should reduce after treatment. In the meantime, look for foods and medicine that calm inflammation, and plan on seeing your general doctor.
Investigate Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Products
If your child seems to despise daily oral hygiene specifically, there might be something about their toothpaste or toothbrush that’s bothering them.
This could simply be about texture. Children prone to overstimulation or sensory disorders aren’t always fond of hard-bristled brushes or weird pastes. Another possibility is that your child is allergic to a specific flavor. A mint allergy, for example, would make most toothpastes uncomfortable for them.
Ask Your Pediatric Dentist About Calming Solutions
Visiting the dentist can be tough for a lot of kids. When your child’s teeth are sensitive, it’s even harder. No one wants them to be uncomfortable during their checkups. Fortunately, many pediatric dentists know how to help children feel comfortable, calm, and safe. Let yours know about your child’s sensitivity. They might simply change their approach accordingly, or they might recommend administering laughing gas.
Ask Your Pediatric Dentist About General Solutions
So far, we’ve addressed pretty specific cases and causes for your child’s dental sensitivity. But what if the problem is more nebulous? What can you do about the day-to-day difficulties?
Once they get past any dental anxieties and assess your child’s oral situation, your pediatric dentist will be able to get a better idea of what will best help your child. They might recommend more fluoride treatments to fortify their teeth, or more frequent cleanings to improve oral hygiene. In any case, you and your pediatric dentist can team up to address your child’s oral health!
About the Practice
Our team at Barefield Pediatric Dentistry puts patients first! We’ll gladly accommodate your child’s needs to ensure they receive the best care possible. If mysterious dental sensitivity seems to be bothering your little one, let us know. We’re no strangers to complicated teeth and can help you find a best-fit solution. You can contact our office at 972-298-7560 or explore our website for more information.