Imagine you give your child a cold treat or a hot dinner when they complain that their tooth hurts when they try to dig in. As a parent, you might be worried about what this is, but it might be a bit of sensitivity they are experiencing. You likely want them to get back to a happy smile, but should you take your loved one to the dentist or simply wait it out? Here’s what might be causing trouble and how their dentist can help.
Why Is My Child’s Tooth Sensitive?
Like adults, kids can start to feel dental sensitivity if their enamel has weakened. This can happen more easily with baby teeth, as the outer layer is thinner compared to the permanent structures. The dentin underneath can be exposed, but this part of a tooth has tiny channels that go to the nerve. When anything too hot or cold touches it, that temperature can trigger the discomfort your child feels.
Do I Need to Take My Child to the Dentist?
No matter if your child complains of a small toothache or a big one, you should take them to their pediatric dentist. Even very minor cases can be a sign that something is wrong. Oftentimes, it might be a cavity that’s causing problems. Oral health issues like these can’t heal on their own, so they can only progress and advance further.
How Will My Child’s Dentist Treat a Toothache?
When it’s time for your child’s visit to their dentist, they will get to work to give your loved one the relief they deserve. By performing an oral examination and taking X-rays, they will be able to see the extent of the decay and then offer treatment options. In many cases, a simple filling is recommended, but a crown can be helpful in more severe cases.
What Can I Do to Give My Child Relief at Home?
If your child’s tooth is sensitive, there are some things that you can do at home to give them relief until they can see their provider. Firstly, don’t give them anything too hot or cold. As was mentioned above, foods with these traits can trigger the discomfort they feel, so help your loved one avoid them. Having them rinse with warm salt water can also be helpful, as it can prevent additional damage in some cases.
In the end, tooth sensitivity in your child is just as important as if it were you experiencing it! By calling their provider right away, you can get them a step closer to having a pain-free smile and keep their growing grin in the best shape possible.
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, kids in the local community benefit from a compassionate team of dentists. We are here to help parents with pediatric dental emergencies, often seeing loved ones the same day. With state-of-the-art technology, we can better pinpoint the problem and provide effective solutions to get them relief. If your child has a toothache, schedule an appointment or call our office at (254) 727-7144.