What's Causing Your Child's Sensitive Teeth?

As a parent, your child's distress becomes your distress. And this can even be more distressing when the source of your child's upset is unclear. Why does your child seem to be in pain after they eat? If their teething days have long since passed and they don't have any obvious cavities, why are your child's teeth so sensitive?

Regular Discomfort 

Sensitive teeth can be sore teeth, and if your child regularly demonstrates discomfort seemingly caused by eating or drinking, then the cause for their sensitive teeth must be identified and addressed. The issue is likely to become clearer after your child's dentist has a clear look at their dental enamel.

A Child's Dental Enamel

It's an often shared fact that dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it should be pointed out that your enamel is stronger than your child's enamel. A child's dental enamel is considerably thinner and softer than an adult's, which may cause some problems for your child.

Underneath the Enamel

Underneath the enamel is the tooth's most prominent layer—dentin. When dentin is exposed to outside elements, the tooth's nerve can be triggered. Dentin contains an abundance of tubules, which are microscopic passages that lead into the tooth's nerve. So exposed dentin can lead to an irritated tooth nerve, which often presents as dental sensitivity. 

Enamel Erosion in Children

A dentist will thoroughly inspect your child's teeth, checking whether their enamel has actually eroded. This can be due to an excessive amount of fermentable carbohydrates in your child's diet. When oral bacteria consume these carbohydrates, acid is produced, which erodes dental enamel. This erosion can be quicker to take effect in children, due to the relative thinness of their enamel. A few dietary changes can prevent the problem from getting worse.

Remineralization of a Child's Teeth

Your children's dentist will also want to reverse mineral loss in the dental enamel, which should fortify it and prevent ongoing sensitivity. This can be achieved with fluoride treatments, which can restore that lost mineral content. You may also be directed to use a specific toothpaste at home, and fluoride supplements may be recommended in some cases. Don't add extra fluoride to your child's diet without a recommendation from their dentist, as this can cause an imbalance of the mineral composition of their dental enamel. 

With a few minor changes and some ongoing attention, your child's dental sensitivity should be a thing of the past. But sensitive teeth in children should be investigated by their dentist at the earliest possible chance.

Contact a children's dentist for more information. 

Share