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Feb 17, 2025
Teeth sensitivity is a sudden jarring pain in teeth while consuming hot and cold foods and beverages. Most people feel this stinging sensation at some point because of cavities or broken teeth. Children are also susceptible to this dental problem and can be seen holding on to their cheeks in pain when having an ice cream or piping hot food. The pain can also surface while consuming sweet foods like chocolates.
It can sting a lot and make them uncomfortable to the extent that they may have to give up on their favourite treats. Parents should be aware of this problem to identify the symptoms and take their kids for examination by a renowned Hope Island dentist. It can save them from pain and help identify the underlying reason for the pain. Here is everything parents must know about teeth sensitivity in Children. It can help them prevent the problem and keep their kids’ mouths healthy.
1. Cavities or Tooth Decay
Cavities are prevalent in preschoolers in Australia. Close to half of all the children in Queensland in the age group of 5 to 10 years have suffered tooth decay of primary teeth. The reason behind this problem is poor food choices and high consumption of sugary drinks and food items like chocolates, packed juices, soda, candies, cookies, cakes, pastries, etc. The sugar gets stuck to the teeth, and the bacteria present in the mouth start metabolising it. The attack of bacteria on sugar debris releases acids that cause holes in the tooth’s surface. Cavities need medical attention, and the treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Dentists recommend fluoride treatment and sealants in the early stages of tooth decay. In later stages, they suggest paediatric pulp treatment and tooth extraction.
2. Unclean Teeth and Mouths
Children must be supervised while brushing until they are 8 to 10 years old. Improper brushing is another reason for developing tooth sensitivity. It results from enamel erosion caused by forceful brushing. Kids must be taught the right way to hold the brush and the amount of pressure to be exerted on their teeth. They must use a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. According to experienced dentists in Hope Island, kids brush their teeth twice daily and floss once a day. They also recommend fluoride treatment and lifestyle changes like consuming a healthy diet and refraining from eating starchy and sugary foods. In addition, drinking fluoridated tap water is highly beneficial.
3. Eruption of Permanent Teeth
Every child has to bear some pain when they start losing their temporary or milk teeth. The loose teeth and sockets with new erupting teeth can feel sensitivity while eating or drinking high and low-temperature food and liquids. To alleviate pain, they can chew and bite from the other side of the mouth. Parents must ensure they do not feel the pain by offering foods at room temperature and they must be soft in consistency to prevent chewing pressure on teeth.
4. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is an involuntary reaction that occurs due to stress, teething discomfort, anxiety, anger and crooked teeth. Frequent teeth grinding erodes tooth enamel that exposes dentin, which makes the tooth vulnerable to pain due to contact with hot and cold foods and drinks. Tooth grinding in children can be treated by managing stress levels with the help of relaxation techniques and using mouth guards suggested by Hope Island dentists. Children with bruxism must be encouraged to become active and stay calm by listening to soothing music and practising mindfulness.
5. Sinus Infection
It may come as a surprise to many, but sinus infection can also result in tooth sensitivity. The maxillary sinuses present in the cheekbones are close to the roots of the upper teeth. When the sinuses are infected due to a virus or bacteria, they create pressure near the nerves close to the tooth roots, resulting in sensitivity. The problem can be resolved by healing the infection with the help of nasal sprays, medicines, and warm compresses. Drinking a lot of fluids also helps to ease the congestion by thinning the mucus and makes it easy to deal with the infection.
6. Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are used by dentists in Hope Island to treat cavities. They remove the infected tissue and clean the infected area. They fill the cavities with filling material, such as gold, silver, composite, amalgam, etc. However, the removal of infection can irritate the tooth nerves and make them sensitive if the cavity is deep and reaches the nerves. This type of tooth sensitivity is temporary and subsides within a few weeks. Similar pain can occur if the child has had a root canal treatment. The dentist can prescribe desensitising toothpaste to reduce the discomfort. Kids must avoid having foods and drinks that cause pain during the healing period.
Wrapping Up
Tooth sensitivity can be discomforting and cause shooting pain for a moment. Kids can become irritable and avoid eating when this problem occurs. Thus, it is vital for parents to stay vigilant and take their kids to the dentist for correct diagnosis and treatment.
