What Does It Mean If My Teeth Are Sensitive to Cold?

If your teeth are sensitive to cold, you can experience significant discomfort on a daily basis. You may also have a serious dental issue.

Teeth sensitivity to cold — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — produces a sharp, fleeting pain or discomfort in one or more of your teeth when you consume cold foods or beverages. The pain can linger for a few seconds or a minute after you stop eating or drinking. You might also experience discomfort when breathing in cold air through your mouth.

CAUSES OF TEETH SENSITIVITY TO COLD

There are numerous factors that can cause your teeth to become sensitive to cold:

Enamel Erosion: Over time, you can erode the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth by consuming acidic foods and beverages, grinding your teeth, using abrasive toothpaste, or aggressively brushing with hard-bristled toothbrushes. When your enamel erodes, it exposes the underlying dentin, which acts as a barrier to the teeth’s nerves. Once that barrier is compromised, your nerves can be painfully triggered by cold temperatures.

Tooth Decay and Cavities: Cavities caused by tooth decay can create holes in the enamel and dentin, which, similar to enamel erosion, allow cold stimuli to reach the inner parts of your tooth, triggering discomfort.

Worn or Leaky Fillings: When dental fillings wear down or develop leaks over time, they can create the same problems and pain as tooth decay and cavities. Old fillings may also leave gaps where bacteria can enter, causing further decay and sensitivity.

Receding Gums: When your gum tissue pulls back from the surface of your teeth, it can expose their roots. The roots of your teeth aren’t protected by enamel, but by a much softer substance called cementum, which can wear away easily, leading to increased sensitivity to cold.

Cracked or Damaged Teeth: If you crack or chip your teeth, the damage can affect the dentin and even reach the pulp — the innermost part of the tooth — which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the dentin or pulp are exposed to cold stimuli, you can experience sharp, intense pain.

PREVENTION TIPS

Taking care of your tooth enamel is key when it comes to preventing sensitive teeth.

To prevent or minimize tooth enamel damage, consider these tips:

• Get regular dental check-ups and brush and floss regularly to help protect your mouth and lessen the chances of tooth sensitivity.

• Avoid brushing too hard or using a hard-bristle toothbrush in order to avoid further tooth enamel erosion.

• Avoid acidic foods that can reduce tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure, causing tooth sensitivity.

• Use fluoride toothpaste and consider using a fluoride mouthwash or receiving professional fluoride treatments from your dentist to strengthen your tooth enamel and help protect against sensitivity.

• Unclench your teeth to prevent teeth grinding that can lead to enamel wear and dentin exposure.

• If you have cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease, seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible, as these dental problems can contribute to tooth sensitivity if left untreated.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are numerous treatment options available for tooth sensitivity to cold:

• If you clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest that you wear a mouthguard to limit the stress you put on your teeth.

• If your tooth sensitivity is caused by receding gums or enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend applying dental bonding or a sealant to cover and protect the exposed surfaces.

• Your dentist can use crowns or inlays/onlays to cover and protect any teeth that are structurally compromised, providing a strong, protective layer over the sensitive areas.

• If your sensitivity to cold is due to nerve issues inside your tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the affected nerve and eliminate the pain.

• Your dentist may suggest using laser treatments to seal openings in your dentin and block the transmission of pain.

Combining professional care with diligent at-home practices can effectively manage and alleviate cold sensitivity in your teeth, leading to improved comfort and oral health. Are you experiencing any discomfort due to cold? Click here to schedule an exam.