Are Your Teeth Sensitive to Cold? Causes and Remedies
Are your teeth sensitive to cold? And what causes tooth sensitivity, anyway?
If you struggle to take a generous gulp of ice-cold water in the morning or biting into a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot day, you likely have cold-sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem – but if you do experience it, there are ways to combat it. Read on to learn more about how to reduce and prevent tooth sensitivity.
Are Your Teeth Sensitive to Cold? Here’s Why.
Most people think that gum disease or tooth decay causes tooth sensitivity, but that’s not always the case.
There are all sorts of reasons someone may have cold-sensitive teeth.
The nerves within our teeth cause cold sensitivity, which occurs when the nerves within the tooth become exposed due to receding gums or worn tooth enamel.
Here are a few factors that cause this.
Plaque Buildup
Are your teeth sensitive to cold even when you’re not drinking or eating something cold? If this happens to you, it could be because of plaque buildup, which typically leads to cold sensitivity in teeth.
When left untreated, plaque buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which is why it is critical to visit your dentist at least once every six months for regular cleanings and checkups.
Receding Gums
Receding gums expose your nerves and make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism wears away the enamel on your teeth, exposing the nerves and leading to tooth sensitivity. If you grind your teeth, your dentist can give you a mouth guard, which acts as a barrier between your teeth to protect them from grinding.
If you are unsure if you grind your teeth, look for these common signs:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain/stiffness
- Earaches
- Worn-down teeth
- Disrupted sleep
- Facial pain
Worn Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel protects your teeth. When your enamel wears out, it exposes the nerve endings in your teeth, resulting in sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks.
Overusing Products
Tooth whitening treatments, over-brushing your teeth, mouthwash with alcohol, and even whitening toothpaste can cause tooth sensitivity.
Gum Disease
Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth sensitivity. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups at the dentist can prevent gum disease.
How to Combat Tooth Sensitivity
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Toothpaste like Sensodyne help reduces cold sensitivity by protecting your gums. These types of toothpaste are a great way to combat cold-sensitive teeth because they typically work very quickly – sometimes even right away.
Avoiding Acidic Food and Drinks
Highly acidic foods and drinks include:
- Oranges
- Wine
- Coffee
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Soda
By avoiding these types of foods and drinks, you can prevent tooth enamel from wearing off, which can significantly improve your sensitivity to cold.
Flossing and Brushing
Flossing and brushing with a soft toothbrush can both reduce and prevent gum irritation that causes teeth sensitivity.
If your teeth bleed when you brush, you are likely brushing too hard. Try brushing your teeth softly. Check out this blog post for helpful information on how to make the most from brushing your teeth.
Contact Your Dentist
If your teeth are sensitive to cold, it is always best to check with your dentist to find out the underlying cause.
A dentist can review your oral hygiene, detect cavities, and even catch gum disease early. Their job is to give you an overview of your oral health and hygiene. Regular checkups are an excellent way for dentists to spot issues that could turn into more significant, potentially more severe oral health problems down the road.
Many people experience gum disease and plaque buildup because they don’t see their dentist enough. Going to a dentist is a great way to ensure that you have optimal oral health.
Northgate Dental is Here to Help Improve Your Dental Health!
Are your teeth sensitive to cold? We’re here to help! At Northgate Dental Centre LTD, we help Edmonton residents meet all their dental needs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we focus on getting our patients a healthier and brighter smile. Your dental health is the most important thing to us. We offer a wide range of dental services for entire families. Contact us today.
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