Kids with tooth sensitivity can have diminished enthusiasm for food or even difficulty eating. It’s sad when they hesitate to eat or drink, especially at school or in public when experiencing pain might embarrass them.
It’s not just food that can trigger tooth sensitivity: sudden changes in temperature can also cause pain. And many younger kids are unable to express when they have a toothache and older kids might hide it in an effort to avoid seeing the dentist.
The signs your child might have sensitive teeth
If your child doesn’t complain about a toothache or sensitivity, watch out for these signs and related issues:
- Avoiding certain foods and drinks: hot, cold, sour and spicy
- Avoiding foods they traditionally have loved in the past
- Discomfort during the cold months, in cold rooms in summer or when changing temperature environments
- Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding can damage teeth enamel, leading to sensitivity
If your child likes rambunctious play or is an athlete, it’s also possible they might have a tooth injury, like a cracked tooth, causing sensitivity.
Cavities are also a leading causes of sensitivity. Allergies, sinus pressure, and ear infection can also feel like tooth sensitivity, but if you don’t suspect these issues, going to the dentist immediately is vital to find the cause of the sensitivity to rule out things that can get worse over time.
What else you can do to help
Aside from the dental visit to fix what needs fixing, you can also consider fitted mouthguards that cushion the teeth and prevent damage overnight if your child grinds their teeth.
Mouthguards also help prevent injuries during sports, and are absolutely essential in protecting your child’s teeth from preventable situations like cracked and chipped tooth, or tooth avulsion (knocked-out tooth) during high contact sports (when they resume).
Speaking of prevention, look into your child’s diet and habits to see what can be corrected. If they are having sensitity related to cavities maybe there are behavioral modifications that can help prevent them from having cavities in the future.
We also recommend regular cleaning with our pediatric dentists and hygienists and dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. Prevention is always the first anc best line of defense for these types of problems. We’re here to help you figure things out when problems arise and don’t hesitate to share your concerns with us.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
