If your child yelps whenever she eats foods that are hot or cold, it's likely that she's suffering from sensitive teeth. A child with sensitive teeth who can't yet verbalize discomfort may cry or rub her mouth when she eats. Catching this problem quickly is important, since it will get worse the longer it goes untreated.
Causes
Children who are just learning to care for their teeth may not brush them enough, causing tooth decay or cavities that make the teeth sensitive. Conversely, children may brush their teeth and gums too vigorously. This can cause the hard enamel outer layer of the tooth to wear away, exposing a layer made of dentin. Dentin is more porous than enamel. When hot or cold foods touch the dentin, they activate the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain.
Treatment
If a child has brushed away some of his tooth enamel, the easiest way to treat it quickly is by having him use desensitizing toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. This paste generally is made for adult use, so consult your child's dentist first. If the child's teeth continue to be sensitive, the dentist may apply a fluoride gel to the affected teeth. This treatment acts as a replacement for the lost enamel. If the sensitivity is caused by a cavity, the dentist likely will drill out the decayed part of the tooth and put in a filling.
Prevention
Teaching your child proper dental hygiene often is enough to prevent sensitivity. Have her hold her toothbrush and place your hand on top of hers. Help her brush her teeth so she learns how to reach every side of every tooth and what kinds of pressure she should apply. Even if she's been brushing her own teeth for years, she may need a review of how to brush correctly. Ask her dentist to review this with both of you if you're uncertain of how to brush thoroughly.
Complications
In most cases, simple treatments can eliminate the child's discomfort. Sensitive teeth can quickly become worse if they're left untreated, however. If more enamel wears away and eating becomes painful, the child may stop eating a variety of foods, which can lead to malnutrition. If his teeth and gums continue to wear away untreated, the dentist may eventually need to perform one or more root canals. In this procedure, both the decayed teeth and underlying roots are removed.
