Teeth sensitive to cold: causes and symptoms
You take a big sip of an ice-cold drink or take a hearty bite of a cold ice cream and suddenly an intense pain jolts through your teeth. Teeth that are sensitive to cold can significantly reduce the enjoyment of cold food and drinks and have an unpleasant impact on everyday life. Many of our patients are familiar with this widespread problem at our Charlottenburg dental practice and there are many reasons for this.
In this blog article, you will learn everything you need to know about the causes and symptoms of cold-sensitive teeth and receive valuable tips on prevention and treatment.
The most important facts in brief
Sensitivity to cold is often caused by enamel wear, gum recession or gingivitis.
Typical symptoms are sudden, intense pain on contact with cold food or drink.
Thorough oral hygiene, special toothpastes and regular dental check-ups are ideal for prevention.
Causes of sensitivity to cold
The causes of cold-sensitive teeth include
Enamel wear: Enamel is the protective outer layer of our teeth. When it is worn away, the sensitive nerve endings in the tooth are exposed, which can lead to pain when cold. Causes of wear and tear can include teeth grinding (bruxism), acidic foods or abrasive toothpastes.
Gum recession: With increasing age or due to poor oral hygiene, the gums can recede. This leads to the sensitive tooth necks being exposed and reacting sensitively to cold.
Inflammation of the gums: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or periodontitis can also lead to cold-sensitive teeth. The inflammation causes the gums to recede. Chronically inflamed gums often have tiny, barely noticeable pockets in which bacteria can colonize and cause flare-ups of inflammation, which in turn increase the sensitivity of the teeth.
Recognize symptoms
Cold sensitivity usually manifests itself through very specific symptoms. Most sufferers report an intense, stabbing pain that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. The following symptoms can be distinguished:
Sudden, intense pain: This pain mainly occurs when cold food or drinks come into contact with the teeth. The reaction is particularly typical when drinking iced water or eating desserts such as ice cream.
Localized pain: The pain can often be traced back to a specific tooth or group of teeth. This pain occurs immediately after contact with the cold stimulus and can be of short but intense duration.
Short-term pain duration: The pain often only lasts a few seconds, but can be very intense. These temporary episodes of pain are a clear indication of cold-sensitive teeth and should not be ignored.
Prevention and treatment
There are various ways to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. Choosing the right toothpaste and regular visits to the dentist play a crucial role. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to prevent gum recession and enamel wear. Soft bristles are less abrasive and can gently clean the tooth surface.
Use toothpastes containing fluoride, which can strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride helps to increase the resistance of your teeth to acids and mechanical influences. There are special toothpastes for sensitive teeth that contain substances that soothe the nerves in the tooth or remineralize the enamel. These toothpastes form a protective layer on the tooth surface and can reduce sensitivity to pain.
Regular visits to your dentist help to identify and treat problems at an early stage. For example, professional teeth cleanings can be carried out to keep the gums healthy. Your dentist can also carry out fluoride treatments or apply special varnishes to permanently reduce sensitivity.
Conclusion
Teeth that are sensitive to cold can significantly limit the enjoyment of cold food. There are many causes, but with the right care, the right products and regular check-ups, the problem can be brought under control. If you have persistent symptoms, we strongly recommend that you consult a dentist to determine the exact cause and initiate suitable treatment.