If you have sensitive teeth, you may experience discomfort when eating ice cream, drinking cold beverages, or going out in the winter weather. While this is relatively common, especially in people 20 to 40 years of age, it can also inhibit you from experiencing things you enjoy. Teeth sensitivity often occurs when the nerves of the teeth are exposed, which can happen for many reasons.
With our experience and state-of-the-art technology at Rockland Dental Specialists, we can work with you to figure out why your teeth are sensitive to cold and what steps to take to fix the issue. We understand going to the dentist can be intimidating, but we will work with you every step of the way and provide open communication to make your experience as stress-free as possible. Our understanding and kind New York team offers unmatched services that prioritize your comfort.
7 Causes of Cold-Sensitive Teeth
Teeth sensitivity can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, your oral hygiene habits can cause the issue, or the cause could be more serious. Some reasons why you may experience cold sensitivity include the following:
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard or With a Non-Soft Bristled Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth too aggressively and brushing from side to side can wear away your enamel, especially where your teeth and gums meet. Enamel is a protective layer on your teeth that protects them from sensitivity. While losing enamel is irreversible, you can take steps to prevent it from thinning even more by applying less pressure while brushing and brushing in a circular motion. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in sensor that alarms you when brushing with too much pressure. If you want to use an electric toothbrush, Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. Gila Beer at Rockland Dental Specialists only recommend electric toothbrushes with this built-in alarm. We also recommend this electric toothbrush to patients that are ‘afressive’ brushers. This build-in alarm will aid patients in learning to brush with minimum pressure and protect their enamel.
Tooth Decay
If your teeth cause you pain even when you are not drinking a cold beverage or eating cold foods, this may be an early sign of tooth decay or gum disease. Plaque buildup can cause increased sensitivity and lead to more serious issues. These conditions often start at the gum line, so you can use toothpaste made for gum health and sensitivity to help treat this problem.
Receding Gums
While toothbrush abrasion can cause your gums to recede, you may also have naturally shrunken back gums that make your teeth more cold-sensitive. The roots of your teeth do not have enamel to protect them, leaving exposed nerve endings. Therefore, eating cold foods, having iced beverages, and taking in cold air can be more difficult.
Teeth Grinding
Your teeth may be more sensitive to the cold if you grind them. You can do this in your sleep or because of stress or due to sleep apnea. Teeth grinding wears away at your enamel, which could expose your teeth’s nerve endings and cause cold sensitivity. We may help you develop the best solution to protect your teeth if you think you practice this habit.
Cracks in Teeth
Over time, you may develop cracks in your teeth or fillings as they expand and contract. These cracks expose more nerve endings to the cold, making them more sensitive. You can identify these cracks by looking for lines on your teeth. We can find the best solutions to fill in these cracks with your comfort in mind.
Teeth Bleaching
Getting your teeth bleached or whitened at home or even with a dentist can cause some sensitivity during and after the process. If you overuse at-home teeth whitening treatments, you could risk wearing away your enamel and exposing nerve endings. You can talk to your dentist about teeth bleaching before having the treatment so you know what to expect.
Acidic Foods
Drinking acidic beverages or eating a lot of acidic foods can wear away your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive to the cold. These foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and wine. If you consume a large amount of these items, reducing your intake could stop the irreversible loss of enamel.
Seek Help from a Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists in New York
Having sensitive teeth can make it difficult to enjoy a dessert, a cold beverage, or go outside in the cold. While some have genetics that make their teeth more sensitive, many people can implement new oral hygiene techniques and see their dentists to figure out the best ways to protect their teeth moving forward. Our uplifting team of professionals at Rockland Dental Specialists always puts your health and safety first, so your sensitive teeth are in the best hands.
Our highly-skilled and caring providers go above and beyond to discover the root of your teeth sensitivity. We take your health and comfort seriously and do everything we can to treat your issues in a way that suits your budget with our payment plans. To schedule a consultation and learn more about cold sensitivity, call us at (845) 809-0109 or fill out our contact form.