Why are teeth sensitive to cold?
When your teeth are sensitive to cold, it can be a real pain. Literally, you might feel a sudden shooting sensation when drinking a cold beverage or eating ice cream or salads, making it hard to enjoy meals and get-togethers.
Having sensitive teeth is one of the most common dental problems in the world. It could be due to wear and tear on your tooth enamel, resulting in exposed nerves. It could also be a sign of gum recession, which exposes the root of your tooth.
Some of the most common causes are as follows.
- Tooth decay
- Plaque build-up
- Gum disease
- Teeth grinding
- Tooth fracture
- Cracked tooth
- Too much intake of acidic foods and drinks
- Tooth infections
- Other causes
The pain from having teeth hypersensitivity can range from mild to severe and is usually sudden but recurring. If you have extremely sensitive teeth to cold, everyday activities like eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth can be difficult.
How to treat cold sensitive teeth?
Most people experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives. The good news is that several treatment options are available to manage the pain and discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
Here are five effective treatment options for managing sensitive teeth.
1. Switch from regular to desensitizing toothpaste
A desensitizing toothpaste protects your teeth from cold temperatures and other irritants that cause pain. It contains ingredients like fluoride, strontium chloride and potassium nitrate that can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
These ingredients work by blocking the pain receptors in your teeth, reducing or eliminating the sensation of cold and hot temperatures. You may need to wait for several weeks before seeing results, but they can be a helpful way to manage your tooth sensitivity.
2. Rinse with a salt water solution
Rinsing with a solution of salt and water is one of the most popular instant pain relief methods that you can do at home. Salt water solution can help reduce inflammation and swelling, which will, in turn, reduce sensitivity. In addition, salt water rinses can also aid in removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
If you’re interested in trying a salt water rinse, simply mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two. You can do this once or twice a day as needed. And while it might not provide complete pain relief, it can certainly help to take the edge off.
3. Try a Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent known for teeth whitening. Many people are unaware that it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sensitive gums and teeth.
To use a hydrogen peroxide rinse, simply mix equal parts water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Rinse around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Be sure to spit out the solution, as swallowing hydrogen peroxide can be harmful. You may rinse again with plain water afterwards. Do this once or twice a week, and you should start to see a difference.
4. Use over-the-counter pain medications
A couple of over-the-counter pain medications can help if you experience tooth sensitivity.
Ibuprofen and aspirin are both effective at reducing inflammation, which can help ease the pain associated with sensitive teeth. Acetaminophen is also helpful for managing the pain but does not have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, keep in mind that OTC medications aren’t suitable for everyone. Some types may lead to gastrointestinal distress or other side effects. If this happens to you, talk to your dentist immediately.
5. Get prescription medications
The first step in treating sensitive teeth is to identify the cause of the sensitivity. If there’s no obvious cause, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to get a proper diagnosis.
Dentists may require medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics, and narcotic analgesics to treat sensitive teeth. You can only obtain these medications with a dentist’s prescription, so do not attempt to self-medicate.
How to take care of cold sensitive teeth?
“Why are my teeth so sensitive to cold? Is there something I can do to take care of cold sensitive teeth?”
Our dentists often hear these questions from patients. So, we have compiled a list of things you can do to help ease the sensitivity.
Changing your diet: If you find that acidic or sugary foods make your teeth more sensitive, try to avoid them. You might also want to increase your intake of minerals like calcium and phosphate to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Improving oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. However, it’s important to use the right techniques. Brushing too hard can actually damage tooth enamel and make sensitivity worse. Instead, use gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When flossing, use a gentle back-and-forth motion to avoid damaging the gums.
Switching toothpaste: There are many different types of toothpaste on the market, and some are specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These kinds of toothpaste typically contain fluoride and other ingredients that help to strengthen tooth enamel.
Getting a better toothbrush: A good toothbrush is an important part of any oral care routine. When choosing a toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles. Electric toothbrushes are also often recommended for people with sensitive teeth because they provide a more gentle cleaning action.
When to visit a dentist?
If you have tried several home treatments and you still have sensitive teeth to cold, the best thing you can do is see your dentist so they can diagnose the root cause of the problem.
If your tooth sensitivity is severe, your dentist may recommend a dental procedure to help protect your teeth from further damage.
Some common dental procedures that can help you are the following:
Fluoride treatments. These can help to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth less sensitive.
Bonding or veneers. If your teeth are chipped or cracked, bonding or veneers can help to protect them and make them less sensitive.
Root canal. If you have a tooth infection, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected nerve that causes pain.
Here at Elite Dental Group, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible service to our patients. If you think you need a consultation, booking a dental appointment here is easy and convenient!
