If your children express discomfort when they brush their teeth or seem irritated by hot or cold foods, they may be dealing with sensitivity issues. Sensitive teeth may stem from a variety of causes, many of which are preventable. With proper dental care, you can help ease your child’s tooth pain. Here’s what you should know.

Why Children’s Teeth Become Sensitive

1. Emerging Permanent Teeth

When children start losing their primary teeth, their gums may be tender and bleed a little. As adult teeth start to emerge, usually between the ages of 5 and 7, they may feel pain from the swelling until they break through completely. If their chewing slows and they get fussy about brushing, ask your dentist to recommend anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve pain as their permanent teeth grow in.

2. Damaged Enamel or Gums

Brushing too hard is abrasive. It can irritate gums and erode tooth enamel. Teach your children to brush gently with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes every morning and at night, and have them drink water throughout the day to wash away bacteria.

Some children who grind their teeth at night as they sleep may also develop small cracks in their enamel. When a child loses the hard enamel that protects their teeth, they may experience twinges of pain when they brush or chew. To ensure your children are cleaning their teeth correctly, supervise their dental care routine.

3. Tooth Decay

Some bacteria on a child’s teeth and gums turn sugar and starch into acid, which eats into tooth enamel. Children may wince when they eat or drink something sweet if a cavity is developing. Brushing with fluoride, which stops bacteria from making acid, can reverse decay and prevent cavities.

Tooth decay often affects hard-to-reach back molars, which have uneven surfaces where food gets stuck. Help your child rid their mouth of food and bacteria with careful brushing, flossing, and rinsing. It takes time to learn how to clean between teeth with floss, so give your child plenty of encouragement until they master the technique.

4. Sinus Pressure

Kids with allergies, colds, and sinus troubles often feel discomfort in their teeth because fluid buildup may put pressure on the upper row. To relieve toothaches derived from sinus pressure, try applying warm compresses against the cheek and turn on a humidifier in your child’s room while they’re sleeping.

Alaska Dentistry for Kids provides dental care to children and teens, including those with sensory disorders and other functional needs, with compassion and gentleness. Families in Anchorage depend on this practice for all their pediatric dental needs, from preventive oral hygiene treatments to fillings and specialized procedures to restore broken or chipped teeth. Visit them online to meet the team or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.