Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Cold?

Now that winter has arrived, bringing with it gusts of cold air, you may have noticed that your teeth actually feel sensitive to the temperature outside. Yes, that uncomfortable feeling that you get when you take a gulp of icy water or eat chilly ice cream can also occur by the air outside too! Wherever the cold may be coming from, here’s what you should know about how teeth sensitivity occurs and what you can do about it.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective outer layer of teeth known as the enamel is worn down or your gums have receded, exposing the sensitive underlying tooth nerves.

This erosion of enamel can be caused by a multitude of things. For example, cavities, a crack, bruxism (grinding your teeth), and mishandled teeth whitening can all lead to sensitivity issues. Gum recession is usually due to gum disease but can also be from aggressive brushing or medium/firm toothbrush bristles.

While very low temperatures can spark that sudden sensitivity, extremely high temperatures can too. In other words, if your teeth are sensitive to cooler weather, cold foods, and chilled beverages, it’s likely that they’re sensitive to heat as well, like a piping hot cup of coffee or steaming bowl of soup.

How to Treat Teeth Sensitivity

If you’ve noticed that your teeth are feeling sensitive now and they never were before, or if you are experiencing an uncomfortable ache in your teeth that won’t seem to go away, please visit Peek Dentistry as soon as possible. Since there is such a range of issues that can cause teeth sensitivity, we want to have a look so we can come up with a solution geared toward your exact case.

Until your appointment, we recommend brushing with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush and limiting contact with your sensitivity triggers.

Consult with Our Team!

Need some help managing your teeth sensitivity? We invite you to visit us at Peek Dentistry in Katy, TX. As providers of comprehensive family dentistry, we can not only help determine what the culprit is but also provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

Contact us today to set up an appointment at Peek Dentistry!

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Categorised in: Oral Health

This post was written by Peek Dentistry