Having teeth that are sensitive to cold can be frustrating and painful. Whether it is breathing in the cold on your way into the office in the morning or sipping an ice-cold glass of water after a workout - the pain can kick in so quickly that it can be momentarily debilitating.
Although many people experience this issue, it doesn’t make dealing with it any easier. In fact, you are still left with the question - why are my teeth sensitive to cold? So, let’s get some answers.
Reasons Why You May Experience Sensitivity to Cold
If you are wondering why you may be experiencing sensitivity to cold, we’ve got some culprits. Below is a list of the most common.
Tooth decay. Tooth decay can eat away at the protective layers of your tooth, leaving it exposed and susceptible to cold sensitivity.
Gum disease. Gum recession and gum disease can leave your tooth’s roots exposed. Not only can this be painful, but the sooner it is addressed, the greater chance you have of reducing further damage.
Cracked teeth. If a tooth is cracked, it can impact the nerve underneath it as it may be exposed when you bite down on something - or just in general. This should be addressed right away.
Teeth grinding. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel of your teeth over time, leaving the underlying areas - such as the dentin - exposed.
Brushing too hard. Using a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles and brushing aggressively can jeopardize your tooth enamel. This layer of protection is necessary to keep your teeth happy and healthy - and not sensitive.
Reducing Sensitivity
If you are experiencing sensitivity to cold, ideally you should make an appointment to see your dentist. However, there are a couple of things you can do in the meantime to reduce your discomfort.
First, you may want to consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These can work well at reducing the pain while you brush and as you head out into the day. Regularly using a saltwater rinse could offer some relief, as well, over time. And if you believe your sensitivity may be from grinding your teeth, consider a mouthguard. You can buy them over the counter, but your dentist will be able to provide you with a custom-fitted mouthguard that will be most comfortable and effective.
Importance of Maintaining Healthy Teeth
Good oral health can ensure that you are maintaining healthy teeth and gums - and reducing your risk of dealing with sensitivity to cold.
Healthy oral hygiene habits mean brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day as well as flossing daily. In addition, it is recommended that you see your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam.
Taking these steps can help reduce the incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, cracks, and more – thus reducing your sensitivity to cold.
Treat Teeth Sensitivity at Kevin G. Jones, DDS
At Kevin G. Jones, DDS, we know that it doesn’t feel good to always deal with teeth sensitivity when it comes to the cold air, as well as cold food and beverages. If you are interested in finding ways to stop the sensitivity once and for all, contact our office at 501-225-4555 to schedule an appointment.