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What’s it Mean When Hot and Cold Things Make My Teeth Hurt?

tooth sensitivity

Perhaps it’s ice cream or a breath of crisp air, or maybe it’s a cup of hot tea or a cozy bowl of soup. No matter what it is, hot and cold tooth sensitivity is a common ailment experienced by many people. At my dental office in Buckhead, we’d like to answer some of the questions we get asked regarding tooth sensitivity to both hot and cold foods and drinks.

“Why are my teeth sensitive?”

Tooth sensitivity is caused when the outside of teeth, or the hard enamel, wears down or gums recede and the tiny tubes in the tooth dentin become exposed. Each of those tiny tubes communicates with the nerves of your teeth and when they’re left open, it can hurt when you put hot or cold things in your mouth. A lot.  It can also be caused by decay getting through the enamel and causing inflammation in the nerve of your tooth through those tiny tubes.  Hot sensitivity usually indicates that the nerve has been affected.

“What causes the exposure of those tiny tubes?”

The most common causes of the exposure of dentin and those tiny tubes to your nerve are  clenching or grinding, eating of too many acidic foods or drinks, excessive acid reflux, and brushing too often with abrasive toothpaste.  And, as already stated, decay can affect the nerves of your teeth through those tiny tubes by traveling in the dentin.

“How can I prevent the pain?”

Managing the stress on your teeth and gums from clenching and grinding.  Making sure you don’t get decay or bone loss.  Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush can go a long way in easing tooth sensitivity. When looking for a toothbrush, select one that has soft bristles and brush gently when using it. If your bristles are pointing in several directions, you’re probably brushing too hard. For a toothpaste choice, avoid anything that contains sodium pyrophosphate as that can contribute to sensitivity. Many whitening toothpastes and tartar-control pastes have this ingredient. Instead, select a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Finally, mind your food choices such as drinking water instead of acidic drinks like soda or juices.

Your dentist in Buckhead will determine the most appropriate option for you following an in depth discussion about your pain, your habits, and the treatments available.

If you’re still experiencing sensitivity related pain, come to my Buckhead dental office. We’ll discuss what could be contributing to it and work with you to provide the best way to ease it.

Welcoming patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and nearby communities.

Filed under: General Dentistry

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