Have you ever bitten into something, a cupcake, ice cream, or taken a drink of hot coffee only to experience a stinging ache in your tooth? Sensitivities to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks indicate that you may have a cracked, decaying, or diseased tooth. Luckily, they are readily corrected with a trip to the dentist. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes a tooth sensitive to cold, hot, or sweet meals. Why is my tooth sensitive to hot and cold? While the most typical reason for a tooth being sensitive to warmth and cold is a cavity, there are various alternative explanations for this discomfort. Now, let's take a look. Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth If you suffer a fast, acute pain while ingesting something cold, hot, or sweet, or while flossing or cleaning your teeth, you have tooth sensitivity and may call our professionals to receive aid. However, not every tooth sensitivity is the same. Some may feel pain infrequently, while others may have difficulty each time they eat. Either way, it is necessary to determine first what is producing the sensitivity. Causes of Tooth Sensitivity to Cold and Heat There are various reasons you may be suffering a tooth sensitive to cold or teeth that hurt when eating sweets. First, you may have a cavity, or another kind of dental decay, such as a cracked tooth, the beginnings of a cavity that shows up as a black spot on your teeth, worn-down enamel, fillings that need repair, or gum disease. People who have healthy teeth have protective layers that include a coating on the outside of the tooth called tooth enamel and cementum, which protects the roots of the tooth that are located under the gum. These layers protect against infection and shield the nerves in your teeth and gums, which are located in the dentin of the tooth, from acid and food that is at different temperatures. If you wear away these layers, you will expose the dentin or nerve center of the tooth. If this happens and the nerve center comes into contact with hot, cold, or sweet foods, you will feel an intense pain. Is Cold Sensitivity a Sign That You Need a Root Canal? Having a tooth that is sensitive to cold or cold water does not necessarily suggest that you will need a root canal, since there are varying stages of tooth decay. Usually, the dentist will suggest various procedures before anything else. Is it possible for tooth sensitivity to go away? Your dentist can prescribe oral care or undertake dental operations to avoid more sensitivity and relieve the discomfort, depending on the reason of your tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitive to cold but not to warmth Common Reasons Why a Tooth Is Sensitive to Cold When you eat or drink something cold, such as ice cream or ice water, you could experience a sudden, intense discomfort in your mouth. Here are a few reasons why your tooth is sensitive to cold meals but not hot foods. Gums that are pulling back When you drink cold water, your tooth will pain because the inner nerve of the tooth is exposed, which might cause cold sensitive. As a result, those with receding gums that expose their tooth roots are more likely to be sensitive to cold temperatures. Excessive Use of the Product If you brush your teeth too hard or use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you may wear away the enamel or cause your gums to recede. Stress and Teeth Grinding People who are under stress often clench or grind their teeth. In addition to wearing down your teeth and enamel, this can also produce fractures, which can contribute to sensitivity. Teeth with Cracks If you grind your teeth or bite down on something hard, you may end up with cracks in your teeth. The fissure therefore allows the cold to reach the root of the tooth, which causes the tooth to be sensitive to cold. Nerve Roots That Are Exposed Exposed root nerves are caused by worn-down enamel or receding gums, and they are more sensitive to cold substances. Common Causes of Tooth Sensitive to Heat It is usual for one tooth to be sensitive to cold, and it is also common for your teeth to pain when you eat sweets. On the other hand, it is a bit more worrisome if your teeth are sensitive to hot foods or liquids. Gum disease or tooth decay A tooth that is sensitive to cold could be an indication of gum disease or cavities. On the other hand, a tooth that is sensitive to hot objects could mean that the nerve inside the tooth is deteriorating or dying and producing an abscess. When I consume sweets, my teeth hurt. Ways to Care for Tooth That Are Sensitive There are a number of different methods for treating and preventing sensitive teeth, so let's have a look: Ways to Avoid Damage to Your Enamel and Receding Gums Brushing your teeth softly using a toothbrush that has soft bristles is an easy way to avoid damaging your enamel and receding gums. This method allows you to clean and protect your teeth without eroding enamel or increasing your gum line, which would expose your roots. Ways Dentists Can Assist with Dental Sensitivity Dentists can assist in a number of ways when it comes to treating dental sensitivity. For instance, they might use fluoride gel to clean your teeth. This gel helps to battle bacteria that cause cavities and strengthens the enamel on your teeth. If the roots of the teeth are exposed, the dentist may also conduct a gum graft to cover the exposed area and relieve sensitivity. Finally, if your root nerve is infected, they may perform a root canal. Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity at Home You can avoid dental sensitivity at home by adjusting your diet and steering clear of sweet or acidic foods, such as orange juice. In addition, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing on a regular basis, and chewing sugar-free gum after every meal will be beneficial. What is the quickest way to relieve pain from sensitive teeth? The most effective technique to relieve pain caused by a tooth that is sensitive to cold, hot, or sweet foods is to go to the dentist. If you do not have an oral hygienist, we propose Summerlin Dental Solutions for skilled dental care for US consumers. GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted 15- time Best of Las Vegas from The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.