Tooth Sensitivity

Hot weather will soon be upon us, and kids and adults alike are looking forward to frozen treats. But for many people, tooth sensitivity is a serious drawback to eating ice cream and slushies. At Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, we want all our patients to be happy with their teeth and set up for a lifetime of good oral care. Nobody should accept tooth sensitivity as a normal part of life, and this week, we’re going to take a closer look at what causes it in children.

 

The outer portion of a dental crown is made up of enamel, which is the hardest material in the body. But the inner tooth is made up of pulp and contains a nerve as well as blood vessels. In between the pulp and enamel is dentin, a porous substance that easily conducts heat. Dentin is a yellow-grey color and can be seen when a person’s enamel is thin. The less enamel is covering a crown, the more sensitive the pulp will be to changes in temperature. Gum recession can also contribute to tooth sensitivity because the enamel surrounding a tooth root is naturally thinner to begin with, and once the gum recedes, the root will lose its only insulation.

 

Sensitivity in children is usually due to tooth decay. In adults, acid reflux, a loose filling, or enamel wear from grinding would also be likely culprits. But children have softer enamel, more difficulty using toothbrushes and floss, and tooth misalignments that make it harder to brush each surface of each tooth. Brushing more thoroughly is the best way to combat tooth surface infections, but more thorough does not mean harder; gums may also recede from being brushed too hard. Dentists can help children to learn better brushing techniques, and parents may try getting them chewable tablets that will leave powder on children’s teeth to show them spots they’ve missed. Parents might also want to try getting their children toothpaste for sensitive teeth, which will make dentin less conducive to heat, and should bring their children to regular appointments to have their enamel reinforced with fluoride. Persistent toothaches may require fillings, in which case, they should be done as quickly as possible.

 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.