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Build Stronger Teeth

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Build Stronger Teeth

Everyone knows the basics of good dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, see your dentist at least twice a year. It sounds simple. But what if you still don’t have strong, healthy teeth? Weak enamel can be a genetic weakness, or it can be caused by other conditions, like Celiac disease. I’ve always had weak enamel, so I started looking into ways that I could increase the strength of my teeth, and found that dietary changes could make a big difference. I started this blog to share my experience, and to talk about other ways you can make your teeth stronger and healthier. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your dental health. You just have to find them.

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Pediatric Tooth Sensitivty Issues And How They Are Addressed

24 August 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

If your child complains of aches and pains in the mouth, then they may have a tooth sensitivity issue. Sensitivity problems are not always associated with oral health issues and the problem may be related to a sinus infection. While this is true, problems with the teeth can cause some sensitivity. Keep reading to learn about some possible causes as well as some solutions to the issue:

Causes Of Pediatric Tooth Sensitivity

If your child has sensitive teeth, then there are a few reasons why the issue may develop. If you have had sensitive teeth yourself, then you may know that the problem can be caused by hard brushing techniques and damage to the teeth and gum tissues. This is a possibility with children, but rare. However, make sure your child uses a soft-bristled toothbrush that is the correct size for their mouth.

If your child has an amalgam filling, then this can cause some sensitivity as the amalgam is thermally conductive. In other words, the filling allows hot and cold temperatures from food items to affect the inner and more sensitive parts of the teeth, like the tooth dentin. New teeth are often sensitive as well and tender as cold air and food items hit the teeth. This sensation will pass though.

Cracks in the teeth, as well as new cavities, can cause sensitivity too. Unlike adults, thinning enamel is rarely the problem. Children have new teeth with thick enamel that can withstand pressure and stress.

Treatments For Sensitive Teeth

Most pediatric oral sensitivities will pass. For example, if a tooth with an amalgam filling is the issue, then the sensitivity will go away once the tooth is replaced by an adult tooth. Also, new teeth become desensitized as your child ages.

If sensitivity is an ongoing issue, then make sure that a pediatric dentist completed a full oral evaluation. This can help with locating new cavities that need to be treated and with finding cracks in the teeth. If cavities are found, then speak with the dental professional about the use of fluoride gels, foams, and lacquers. These products strengthen the enamel and thicken it so that extreme temperatures are less likely to reach the tooth dentin. 

You also may be asked to use total fluoride products at home to ensure the overall strength of the teeth. Helping your child avoid acidic foods that can worsen sensitivities and reduce sugar intake are a few other things that may be suggested by the dental professional. 

Keep in mind that some sensitivities may be due to overcrowding, so the problem may need to be addressed later on when orthodontic procedures can be used to treat the problem. Contact a pediatric dentist for more information and assistance.