What does it mean if my child’s teeth are sensitive to hot or cold?

What does it mean if my child’s teeth are sensitive to hot or cold?

December 21, 2015 / in pediatric dentist / by FWCD-Admin
Girl aching teeth

Ironically enough, the same things that cause sensitivity in teeth of children are some of the same things that result in that zinging sensation as a response to hot and cold for adults. If your child is complaining about discomfort or sensitivity, a pediatric dentist should perform an exam to determine the cause; while some cases of sensitivity do not require immediate treatment, issues like a cracked tooth or dental decay require attention to correct.

If your child is complaining about sensitivity, there are a few things to consider:

Are new teeth erupting? If so, the newly erupted tooth might be susceptible to sensitivity exposure to hot or cold for a while.

Is your child suffering from an illness like a sinus infection? This can result in sensitivity particularly in upper molars.

Has a cavity been recently restored? This can create sensitivity; if the sensation continues, return to the dentist for help.

Undiagnosed decay or cracked dentition? If your child has not seen the dentist in the previous six months, it is time to schedule your kid’s dental cleaning and exam. The discomfort your child is experiencing can be due to a cavity or broken tooth.

Your child should experience their first dental visit with the pediatric dentist around the age of twelve months. A dental exam will reveal any problems that are present, but is also a perfect opportunity for parents to learn about decay prevention and ways to discourage things like thumb sucking.

With regular dental visits, the care your child receives should help to prevent things that cause tooth sensitivity. There are preventive measures that can be taken such as dental sealants designed to fill in the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of teeth that are susceptible to dental decay.

Your pediatric dentist can monitor your child’s teeth watching for things like teeth grinding that can lead to prematurely worn dental enamel and broken teeth. Improper brushing technique or using the wrong tools like a hard bristle tooth brush can result in tooth sensitivity.

To resolve sensitive teeth, your dentist can apply a desensitizing solution on teeth during the dental visit or might recommend using a tooth paste that promotes relieving sensitivity.

To learn more about possible causes of tooth sensitivity or to schedule your child’s next exam and cleaning, contact Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry at 817-569-6633.