Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?

That sharp, sudden jolt of pain when a cold drink or a scoop of ice cream hits your teeth—it’s a familiar and unwelcome sensation for many. This is tooth sensitivity, and while it's common, it's not something you have to live with.

Understanding why your teeth are sensitive to cold is the first step toward finding relief. The pain you feel is essentially a distress signal from the nerves inside your teeth. Here’s how it works and what might be causing it.

The Science Behind a Sensitive Tooth

A healthy tooth has a hard, protective outer layer called enamel. Beneath the enamel is a softer, more porous layer called dentin. Dentin contains thousands of microscopic tubes (called tubules) that lead directly to the tooth's sensitive nerve center, or pulp.

When your enamel wears down or your gum line recedes, this dentin becomes exposed. Cold temperatures can then travel through these tiny tubules, stimulating the nerve and causing that characteristic sharp pain.

So, what causes this exposure in the first place? Here are five common culprits.

Decaying Teeth or Gum Disease

If your teeth hurt when you’re eating something cold, your teeth could be starting to decay. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can eat away at the enamel, which will lead to tooth decay. As your teeth decay, nerves are exposed, and that is why you feel sensitivity to cold foods. A lot of sensitivity starts at the gum line, so if you can find a toothpaste that works on your gums, you can potentially avoid some of the sensitivity. 

Overuse of Whitening Products or Abrasive Toothpaste

Some products that are sold to whiten your teeth or freshen your breath can damage your teeth, especially if you use them too often. Additionally, acid from certain foods like coffee, wine, and tomatoes can cause permanent tooth enamel loss. 

Bruxism & Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes stress will cause us to grind our teeth - usually at night unknowingly. When you grind your teeth together, you wear them down, which causes the enamel to wear and exposes nerves. These exposed nerves can be the cause of the sensitivity to cold foods. If you think you are grinding your teeth, you can make an appointment with your St. Catharine’s dentist to discuss your options. Many dentists can make custom mouthguards so that you don’t grind your teeth against each other during the night. 

Cracks in Your Teeth

Over time, your teeth will eventually start to develop tiny cracks in them. These cracks come from your teeth expanding and contracting when you eat hot and cold things. These cracks will get deeper and provide an opening to the nerves of your teeth. When the nerves are exposed, you will feel the cold as a sharp jolt every time it touches your teeth. 

Receding Gums 

If you notice that your teeth always have a sensitivity to cold, the issue may be in your gums. If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, it exposes more sensitive parts of your teeth. And when these parts are exposed, that’s when you start to feel the sensitivity to cold (or sometimes hot). When you have receding gums, you can talk to your St. Catharine’s dentist about your options, and to see if there’s anything you can do to build your gum line back up. 

How to Find Relief from Tooth Sensitivity

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be managed. Solutions range from simple at-home changes to professional dental treatments.

At-Home Care:

• Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: Look for toothpastes containing ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which are specifically designed to block the tubules in the dentin.

• Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft brush and gentle technique are effective at cleaning without damaging your enamel or gums.

• Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.

• Wear a Nightguard: If you suspect you're grinding your teeth, a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist can protect your teeth from further wear.

Professional Dental Treatments:

If at-home remedies aren't enough, your St. Catharines dentist can help.

• Fluoride Varnish: A professional application of fluoride can strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.

• Dental Bonding: Your dentist can apply a tooth-colored resin to cover exposed, sensitive root surfaces.

• Gum Graft: For severe gum recession, a procedure can be done to cover the exposed roots and protect them.

• Root Canal: In cases of severe and persistent sensitivity where the nerve is damaged, a root canal may be the best option to eliminate the pain permanently.

Don't Let Sensitivity Control Your Life

Tooth sensitivity is more than just an inconvenience; it can be your body's way of telling you there's an underlying issue. Ignoring it can allow problems like decay or gum disease to worsen.

If you're tired of cringing every time you reach for a cold drink, it's time to take action. The team at Creekview Dental can help diagnose the cause of your sensitivity and create a personalized treatment plan to bring you lasting relief.

If you have questions for your St. Catharines dentist about sensitive teeth, call us at 905-685-0000 or email us at info@creekviewdental.ca