Teeth Sensitive to Cold

Some people experience moderate even severe sensitivity from cold drinks or foods like ice cream or slushies. What causes this sensitivity and how can it be overcome? These are some of questions we’ll talk about here.

Sensitive Teeth – Common Causes

Cold sensitivity can be due to a number of reasons. If the tooth is chipped or if there is a cracked filling, the tooth can be cold sensitive. When the gums recede (or pull away), teeth oftentimes become cold sensitive.  Foods high in sugar or acidic foods deplete the teeth of their essential minerals and that can lead to cold sensitivity. These are some of the most common causes for this condition.

Your dentist through a dental exam and necessary pictures and X-rays can find the reason behind any tooth or part of your mouth that is cold sensitive.

Treatment – Cold Sensitive Teeth

Once the cause of the cold sensitivity is discovered, treatment can help relieve and reduce the sensitivity. Sometimes the result is apparent soon after treatment. For example, it a cracked filling is the culprit, once it’s repaired there should be no more sensitivity. Sometimes there maybe some time before you notice a major improvement. For example, if years of daily soda use have left the teeth sensitive to cold, daily home fluoride use can help reduce the symptoms slowly over time.

Sensitive Teeth – Our Body’s Defense

At the end of the day we need to listen to our body. When our teeth are sensitive they are telling us something is not right. Ignoring the sensitivity can lead to further more serious conditions. But if the symptoms are resolved quickly then our body’s defense mechanism worked and helped prevent further damage and disease.

If you have teeth that are temperature sensitive or sensitive for any reasons give us a call. If it has been a while since you saw a dentist, we can schedule you for a dental visit to help resolve the problem before it gets out of hand.