Tooth Sensitivity: What to Do for Your Child

As a parent, you’re attuned to your child. You know when they are really crying and when they’re faking it. You can pick up on the subtle clues that something may be off with them. When they complain to you about their teeth, you are naturally concerned. But what should you do about it? Check out these helpful actions you can take.

Understand Tooth Sensitivity

Although sensitivity is far from being a pleasant sensation, it doesn’t always point to a serious problem. Your child’s teeth could be sensitive because they have a cavity, or it could also be because they are having extreme temperatures with ice cream or hot chocolate. Pay attention to what triggers their sensitive reaction to better understand what could be wrong and how to help them avoid this feeling.

Select a Tasty Toothpaste

Sometimes, a child resists brushing because they don’t favor the minty taste. Fortunately, stores have plenty of options of flavors, including fruit. Having a more pleasant taste can help your child have the motivation to brush and keep their teeth clean.

Most toothpaste brands on store shelves contain fluoride as one of their main ingredients, but before you purchase one, make sure your child’s toothpaste has this essential cavity-fighting mineral.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Early on in their life, you have quite a bit of power and control over your child’s daily routine, and you can influence the triggers of their sensitivity. You can establish the expectation and necessity of healthy habits that will help their smile feel fresh, clean, and strong. In addition to brushing their teeth every day, your child needs to learn to floss, drink water, choose nutritious foods, and limit sugary foods and drinks.

To help establish this healthy lifestyle, you can show them what these choices look like through your own example. You also can use small rewards like stickers for their good decisions that will give them confidence as well as help their teeth not feel sensitive.

Get Fluoride Treatment

If sensitivity is somewhat common for your child, it is a smart idea to ask their pediatric dentist for an extra fluoride treatment. This concentrated gel can help the enamel better protect your child’s teeth against cavities and acids.

When to Call Your Pediatric Dentist

Sensitivity in and of itself doesn’t merit an emergency visit with your pediatric dentist. However, if the problem gets worse or becomes painful, it’s a clear indication that a professional needs to take a closer look. Upon inspection, your pediatric dentist may find that a tooth has a deep cavity, causing your child’s discomfort.

This situation isn’t exactly fun to encounter, but taking these steps can help you and your child face tooth sensitivity at home and know what steps to take to avoid it in the future.

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis owns and operates Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates in Palm Harbor, FL. She, Dr. Lorielle Alter, and Dr. Kathryn Kiskaddon are each board-certified pediatric dentists with years of experience and advanced training. If you aren’t sure whether your child’s situation is a dental emergency, you can call our office at 727-786-7551 or reach out online here.