What are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity to the Cold or Heat?
Tooth sensitivity may occur as minor dental discomfort or as a painful sign of a more serious oral issues. Tooth sensitivity triggered by heat or cold usually occurs when a tooth’s outer protective layer, the enamel, has worn down.
Enamel covers the parts of a tooth above the gums. A loss of enamel can expose the sensitive dentin of the tooth, the layer below the enamel that allows heat and cold to stimulate nerves. Enamel erosion can cause teeth sensitivity to heat and cold and caused by the following:
- Having too many soft drinks
- Acids in fruit drinks
- Sour foods or candies
- Dry mouth or low saliva flow
- A diet high in sugar and starches
- Acid reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Medications (antihistamines, aspirin, vitamin C)
- Alcohol misuse or binge drinking
- Genetics
What Causes Teeth to be Sensitive to the Cold or Heat?
- Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
- Overzealous Product Use
- Grinding Teeth and Stress
- Exposed Nerve Roots
- Cracks in Teeth
- Receding Gums
Why is My Tooth Sensitive to Heat and Cold?
If you’ve noticed that your teeth have sensitivity to cold or heat, you’re not alone. Approx. 45 million adults in the United States complain that they suffer from teeth sensitivity to cold or heat.
Teeth Sensitive to Cold Home Remedies
- Avoid Biting Cold and Acidic Foods
- Use a Soft Toothbrush
- Use a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
If you notice unusual teeth sensitivity to cold or heat that persists for several days, make an appointment with your dentist. Sometimes what feels like sensitivity to cold could be a tooth abscess or an unidentified cavity, and prompt treatment is important to keep these problems from getting worse.
If you have sensitive teeth, check with your dentist for suggestions about how to help keep your teeth healthy.
For heat-and-cold-related tooth discomfort caused by a chronic underlying problem, pain will likely recur when eating and drinking — unless the underlying cause is corrected. In some cases, like with an acute tooth injury, pain may strike suddenly when exposed to heat or cold.
Home remedies for sensitive teeth
- Desensitizing toothpaste – Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingediants that help shield nerve endings from irritants when you a soft-bristle toothbrush. After a few uses, teeth sensitivity will reduce.
- Salt water rinse – Salt is an effective antiseptic and it can also help to reduce inflammation. To alleviate pain symptoms from sensitive teeth, gargle with a salt water rinse twice daily.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant. You can also use peroxide as a mouthrinse to heal gums and prevent inflammation.
- Honey and warm water – Honey is an antibacterial agent, and can be used for wound managementTrusted Source. Honey can help speed healing, and reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Green tea – Unsweetened green tea is another is known for its health benefits. It has been used in cancer prevention and cardiovascular health studies for its antioxidant effect and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract contains antiseptic and pain-relieving properties and is a pain and discomfort when they begin teething.
When to see a dentist
If you experience frequent tooth sensitivity, or extreme sensitivity that interferes with your ability to eat and drink normally, you should schedule an appointment with a dental professional. A dentist can identify the root cause of your tooth sensitivity, and create a treatment plan that will alleviate your discomfort.
Call the dentists at Stonelodge Dental if you wan to know the causes of tooth sensitivity and have questions. If you would like more information about your options, schedule an appointment online call 214-613-1500 today.