Does your child wince when they drink something hot or bite into something cold? Do they complain that brushing their teeth hurts? If so, the root of the problem may be dental sensitivity. Sometimes, this can be fixed at home with a few simple tweaks to their oral hygiene regimen. Other times, it requires a visit to their pediatric dentist’s office for the necessary restorative care. With this in mind, read on for a breakdown of what to do if your child is experiencing dental sensitivity.
1. Go Back to the Basics
One common culprit of dental sensitivity is improper oral hygiene, like brushing or flossing forcefully. That’s why it’s always a good idea to go back to the basics. If you aren’t already, supervise your child during their dental care routine, and give feedback and pointers as needed. If their sensitivity lessens with each passing day, then there’s a good chance that was the root of the problem.
2. Try a Desensitizing Toothpaste
If your child seems to be brushing and flossing correctly, then the culprit of their dental sensitivity may be the tools themselves. So, try switching to a desensitizing toothpaste. You should also switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush (if they don’t already have one) that’s the appropriate size for their age. If you aren’t sure which products to use, you can always reach out to their pediatric dental team too!
3. Avoid Hard, Sugary, and Acidic Foods
Simply put, sugary and acidic foods can lead to enamel erosion, making already sensitive teeth even more delicate. Plus, extremely hard and crunchy foods, like peanut brittle, popcorn, and tortilla chips, can lead to added discomfort. The best thing to do is find foods that your child loves that are delicious, soft, and nutrient-dense, like plain yogurt, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.
4. Schedule an Appointment with Their Dentist
If you’ve tried adjusting your child’s dental care regimen, switching the products they use, and tweaking their diet, but nothing seems to be working, then contact their dentist. Over the phone, you can share their symptoms, when they started, and what you’ve tried so far. Then, an emergency exam can be scheduled so their dental team can pinpoint the root of the problem and determine if any restorative care is needed.
About the Practice
At Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln, we know how painful it can be for your child to experience a dental injury as well as how painful it can be for you to witness it. That’s why we provide same-day appointments for dental emergencies – we want to restore your child’s pain-free smile as soon as possible! To schedule an emergency exam, you can visit our website or call (508) 290-0090.