It’s easy for adults with tooth sensitivity to avoid the foods they know will cause discomfort, but kids don't have the same kind of willpower. If they love shave ice, for example, they're unlikely to skip it just because it will hurt their baby teeth. It’s up to parents to prevent them from consuming foods and beverages that might cause pain. If your child has sensitive teeth, keep these treats at arm’s length.

Don’t Give These Treats to Children With Tooth Sensitivity

1. Ice Cream 

Ice cream is one of the worst foods for people of any age with sensitive teeth because it’s both cold and loaded with sugar. Ice cream’s freezing temperature will cause pain as soon as it touches the teeth. Its high sugar content can also increase tooth sensitivity by contributing to decay, thereby wearing down enamel even more over time. 

2. Acidic Fruits

Preventing children from eating fruits may seem counterintuitive. While it’s true that kids get lots of essential nutrients from munching on fresh produce, the more acidic options will further irritate sensitive baby teeth. The worst culprits include oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, and tomatoes.  

3. Hard Candy

Lollipops might be a staple at day care or the doctor's office, but children with sensitive teeth should avoid these and other hard treats. If your child bites down in the wrong way, they could end up chipping, cracking, or fracturing one or more teeth, which will only aggravate the problem of sensitivity. You should also instruct your kids not to chew on ice or objects like pens and pencils. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s sensitive baby teeth, bring them to Pedodontic Associates. For more than 25 years, parents on Oahu and Maui have relied on the pediatric dental practice for comprehensive care for their children. To learn more about their friendly and qualified providers, visit their website. To make an appointment for your little one, call (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.