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Sensitivity in teeth can occur when the inner layer of your child’s teeth, known as “the dentin”, becomes unprotected as a result of declining gum tissue, which is the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots. The roots, which are not sheltered by hard enamel, contain thousands of minuscule channels leading to the tooth’s nerve center, also known as “the pulp”. These dentinal channels, or so called “tubules” allow the stimulation of the underlying nerves. For instance, if the sweet, cold, or hot food annoys the nerve in your child’s tooth, that will result in the pain and hence the youngster crying out.

Given that teething troubles can begin very early, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the young child should see a pediatric dentist when the earliest tooth appears, in order to begin a thorough prevention program. A significant concern is early childhood caries, formerly known as baby-bottle tooth decay, or nursing caries. Erupted teeth are at risk for decay, as soon as a child’s diet includes anything besides breast milk. The earlier you start your youngster’s dental visits, the better the chance of preventing dental setbacks Children with healthy teeth chew up food easily and, and as a result, can smile with self-assurance.

Kids who are just learning to care for their teeth may brush them insufficiently, triggering tooth decay or cavities, that make the teeth sensitive. Occasionally, children may brush their teeth and gums too energetically, which can affect the hard enamel outer layer of the tooth, causing it to to wear and tear away, uncovering a layer made of dentin. Since dentin is more absorbent than enamel, once hot or cold substances upset the dentin, they stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, initiating pain.

If a child has scrubbed away some of his tooth coating, the stress-free way to treat it speedily is by having the kid use a soothing toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Discuss with your child’s dentist first, since this type of paste is normally made for adult use. The dentist may apply a fluoride gel to the affected teeth if they continue to be sensitive. This remedy does not replace the lost enamel, but at least it reduces the pain from sensitivity.

If the pain in a tooth is caused by a cavity, the dentist likely will drill out the decayed part of the tooth and put in a filling.

Teaching your youngsters proper dental hygiene is often sufficient to prevent pain and sensitivity. Assist your children with brushing their teeth, so they may learn how to reach every side of every tooth, and what kind of pressure they should apply. The children may need a review of how to brush accurately even if they have been brushing their own teeth for years. Ask your child’s dentist to review this with both of you if you’re uncertain of how to brush systematically.

There are more than a few brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With consistent use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. To find the product that works best for your child you may need to try several different brands.

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.