Your child’s oral health is vitally important. Making sure they are taking care of their teeth is important from a very young age. However, even when you’re doing all you can to ensure you’re teaching your child good brushing habits, there’s still a possibility they can suffer from sensitive teeth. Although sensitive teeth can be an annoyance to an adult, sensitive teeth in children can cause them worry and stress as they try to cope with the pain and discomfort.
Before you talk to your pediatric dentist about sensitive teeth treatments, ensure that your child is following your instructions of how to brush their teeth properly, as this is one of the first questions your dentist will ask. Sometimes, sensitive teeth in children can stem from not following their parents tooth brushing instructions. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes a day. Their strokes should be at a 45 degree angle, and they should ensure they are brushing the top, front, and back of all their teeth. If you have questions about how to foster good oral hygiene in your child, Children’s Dentistry has several suggestions to help.
Even if your child is child is brushing right, flossing right, and eating right, there’s still a possibility they could deal with sensitive teeth. If that’s the case, don’t worry. Your pediatric dentist is able to offer several suggestions of how to treat sensitive teeth in children. Consider these three sensitive teeth treatments your dentist may suggest.
1. Tooth-Colored Fillings
One of the first things your pediatric dentist will check when a child complains of tooth sensitivity is for any kind of tooth decay. Even if your child has good oral hygiene, they may still suffer from some level of tooth decay. It’s not uncommon. In fact, the Center for Disease Control reports that 13% of children aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Younger children (aged 5-11) have an even higher rate at 20%.
The simplest way to treat sensitive teeth in children is to fill any cavities that might have developed. One of the reasons that visiting the pediatric dentist twice a year is so important is that they can identify areas of tooth decay. Although some are easier to find, others are much more difficult and require a comprehensive exam.
Once a cavity has been found, your dentist will want to fill it to avoid further damage and pain. Although fillings used to be much more difficult to hide, the composite fillings commonly used today are the same color as the tooth. This means that your child will be able to have their teeth feel better without almost any change to their beautiful smile. After their fillings are complete, there should be a noticeable reduction in their tooth sensitivity.
2. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps strengthen your child’s teeth, which in turn helps them avoid having sensitivities. Most children receive the necessary fluoride they need from the water they drink, as many cities add a trace amount to the public water supply. However, not every child has access to fluoridated drinking water. Again, the Center of Disease Control reports that only about two thirds of the United States population has access to fluoride in their drinking water. Areas of the country without fluoridated water report higher rates of tooth decay in children than those that don’t.
When dealing with sensitive teeth in children, your dentist may offer several sensitive teeth treatments that utilize fluoride. The simplest solution is to make sure you are using a toothpaste or mouthwash which contains fluoride. Another option, however, is to seek an in-office fluoride treatment, which can be done up to four times in a year. In special circumstances, a fluoride gel can also be prescribed by the dentist for in home use. With so many different options available, make sure you talk to your pediatric dentist to find out what solution works best for your child.
3. Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are sometimes considered for children when their permanent teeth begin to come in. As your child’s adult teeth come in, they will have considerably more nooks than their previous baby teeth had. These areas are prime spots for food to get stuck. As food gets stuck, bacteria can fester and teeth can begin to decay.
To treat sensitive teeth in children, sometimes dental sealants are in order. A dental sealant is a type of hard plastic that fills in the pits of the adult teeth, making food almost impossible to stick. Dental sealants can lead to cleaner, healthier teeth in children. This is especially helpful for children who are still learning good dental hygiene. The sealants commonly last about ten years and have no side effects, making them a great option in certain circumstances to treat sensitive teeth in children.
Visit Children’s Dentistry
If your child is complaining about tooth sensitivity, it’s not something that should be ignored. Sensitive teeth in children is often a sign of a deeper issue, and your pediatric dentist will want to examine your child’s mouth to see where the issue lies. After a taking a thorough look, they will offer several suggestions for treatment so your child will be able to smile pain-free once again.
If you live in the greater Las Vegas area, you’ll find that Children’s Dentistry of Las Vegas will be able to offer everything your child needs to feel better. Our kind and compassionate staff will make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door until you leave. With multiple locations to serve your family, there’s sure to be an office close by. Call us today for an appointment!