This is a question we are asked all the time, and our dentists know how painful and difficult it can be to struggle with temperature sensitivity. In the summer, there is nothing better than an ice cold beverage during an Orioles or Nationals game or after a sail on the Chesapeake Bay. In the winter, a hot drink can be soothing and warming for the whole body. Dental sensitivity that prevents you from enjoying your favorite beverages is frustrating, but you’re not alone. As many as 45 million people in the US struggle with dental sensitivity related to temperature, and the majority of these cases can be resolved with at-home care. However, some cases do need to be addressed by your dentist. If you’re one of the millions of people in the US struggling with tooth sensitivity and you’re ready to enjoy your favorite hot and cold beverages again, you should determine the underlying cause and work with your dentist to relieve tooth sensitivity with changes to your at-home oral hygiene routine or repair dental damage with in-office dentistry treatments.
Temperature Sensitivity Symptoms
The main symptom is tooth pain when exposed to heat or cold. Some patients report feeling a stabbing pain. Other people experience a dull, lingering discomfort after exposure to hot or cold beverages. In many cases, the treatment plan for dental sensitivity is determined by the length of time you experience temperature sensitivity after exposure.
Less Than 15 Seconds of Sensitivity
If pain or discomfort lasts only for a few seconds immediately after drinking a hot or cold beverage, the problem is unlikely to be serious. In these cases, the sensitivity is likely the result of mild tooth decay (cavities), a loose or lost filling, or minor gum recession. It makes sense to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible, but it does not require emergency dental care.
Sensitivity That Lasts 30 Seconds or More
In these cases, you have likely suffered permanent damage to the internal structure (pulp) of your tooth. This could have been caused by deep dental decay, a tooth fracture, an accident or trauma, or it could be the result of a serious infection. In any of these cases, it is best to get a dental appointment scheduled immediately for a thorough evaluation – before the pain becomes constant and unbearable.
Causes of Dental Sensitivity
When you visit our dental office for tooth sensitivity treatment, the first step will be determining the underlying cause of the dental sensitivity. While the exact habit or experience that leads to dental sensitivity will vary from person to person, the underlying causes are typically the same. Each tooth is made up of three layers. The hard, outer layer called the enamel is the tooth’s defense system, protecting the softer, inner layers of teeth. Immediately below the enamel is the dentin, a tooth layer that contains a number of microscopic tubes that lead into the innermost layer of the tooth called the pulp. The nerve system of the tooth is housed within the pulp. Dental sensitivity to temperature typically occurs when cells within the dentin layers of teeth or the tooth’s nerve are stimulated by the hot or cold beverage.
Some common causes of dental temperature sensitivity include the following:
Reasons a Tooth is Sensitive to Cold
- Tooth Decay – if teeth also hurt when you’re chewing, the cold sensitivity may be related to a small cavity (decayed part of tooth).
- Gum Disease – the buildup of plaque on teeth, especially at the gum line, is an early indicator of gum disease, and large amounts of plaque on the tooth’s surfaces can contribute to cold sensitivity
- Brushing too hard – placing too much pressure on teeth, using abrasive toothpastes, or brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush can all ear away tooth enamel leading to cold sensitivity.
- Teeth grinding and clenching – this bad habit also called bruxism leads to loss of tooth enamel, chips in teeth, and other dental concerns that cause cold sensitivity.
- Gum tissue recession – irritation to the nerve of the tooth housed in the inner pulp layers of teeth can lead to cold sensitivity. The thinnest part of the enamel covers the tooth roots, so when gums recede exposing the roots, teeth are more likely to be sensitive to cold.
- Cracks in teeth – small cracks or crevices in teeth can develop into larger fissures as the tooth enamel expands and contracts with exposure to temperature changes. These cracks are another access point to the tooth’s nerve, leading to cold sensitivity.
Common Reasons a Tooth is Sensitive to Heat
- Dental treatments – teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments that leads to heat sensitivity, but just about any procedure can cause sensitivity to warm drinks, including teeth cleanings, root planing, and dental crown or filling placement. This is perfectly normal immediately following a dental procedure, but if it continues for more than a few weeks or gets worse, contact our dental office.
- Consuming an acidic diet – acids in coffee, tomato sauce, wine, and other foods and beverages consumed on a regular basis lead to enamel loss that can cause sensitivity to hot beverages.
- Chronic oral health concerns – 80% of tooth sensitivity starts at the gum line, so it’s no surprise that many people with sensitivity to heat are struggling with gum disease and soft tissue recession.
At-Home Tooth Sensitivity Solutions
If you’re experiencing mild temperature sensitivity, making some changes to your daily routine may be enough to reduce your dental discomfort.
Some changes you can make include:
- Use a straw – instead of allowing the cold or hot liquid to touch the teeth, use a straw to pull the liquid in past the teeth, reducing sensitivity.
- Reduce your consumption of acidic foods – acidic foods and beverages are tough on enamel and they can be especially irritating to the more sensitive dentin and pulp layers of teeth, so reducing your consumption of these foods and beverages can help you avoid sensitivity.
- Change your toothbrush – hard bristled toothbrushes and brushing too hard in general can irritate teeth and increase sensitivity. Changing to a softer bristled toothbrush and taking care to avoid brushing too hard can alleviate temperature sensitivity.
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth – there are many toothpastes available that are created specifically to target dental sensitivity, and ingredients in these toothpastes can significantly reduce pain when consuming hot and cold beverages and improve overall oral health.
- Change your mouthwash – some mouthwashes are hard on teeth, but there are many fluoridated mouthwashes that can reduce sensitivity without irritating the sensitive tissues in the dentin or pulp layers of teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard – if you regularly grind or clench your teeth at night, make sure you wear a mouthguard to avoid unnecessary dental wear and decrease your risk for chips and cracks in teeth.
How Dentists Can Help with Dental Sensitivity
If your dental sensitivity doesn’t improve after a few days or it gets worse, you should contact our team to find out more about professional treatments to improve comfort. Some of the options we may recommend include:
- Fluoride therapy – at-home applications of fluoride treatments and toothpastes that combine fluoride with other ingredients like carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and polyethylene glycol have been proven to decrease dental sensitivity. Additionally, your dentist may recommend in-office silver diamine fluoride application during your six month dental exams to decrease chronic dental sensitivity.
- Root canal – severe toothache and sensitivity often occurs as the result of damage or decay accessing the sensitive nerve structures inside the pulp layers of teeth. When this occurs, we’ll need perform an advanced restorative dental treatment called root canal therapy. This procedure involves removing the damaged nerve and pulp tissue. Then, we disinfect and refill the inside of the tooth. Finally, a dental crown is placed to strengthen and protect the root canal treated tooth.
- Gum grafts – if gum disease and receding soft tissue exposes the tooth roots causing dental sensitivity, we may recommend a gum graft. This surgical procedure will protect the tooth roots, improve overall health, and eliminate sensitivity.
- Dental restorations – if there is a crack, chip, or cavity, we will repair the tooth, using a tooth-colored filling, inlay, onlay, or dental crown. This will protect your damaged tooth and improve sensitivity.
Grab the Hot & Cold Drinks
At the end of the day, the goal of this blog is to help you find a practical answer to your questions about sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages. If mild sensitivity to temperature is keeping you away from enjoying your favorite drinks, your body is telling you something. Listen. It is giving you an early warning signal that your teeth need some attention, so get in touch with our team to take care of the problem before it becomes severe.
Meet the McCarl Dental Group
Since 1924, the McCarl Dental Group has offered Greenbelt dental patients help with achieving and maintaining their optimal level of oral health. If you have a tooth that’s sensitive to cold and hot beverages, our knowledgeable dentists and dentistry team can help you relieve the pain and restore your smile. Each of our dentists brings years of education and experience to the dental office along with a dedication to continue the McCarl family’s tradition of providing exceptional dentistry services
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FAQs
Why does my tooth hurt when I drink something cold and hot? ›
That's because, over time, your protective layer of tooth enamel can wear down, exposing the soft, inner part of your tooth called dentin, where the nerves live. Certain triggers—including cold foods, drinks, or even a burst of air—can aggravate the nerves, causing a short, sharp pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.
Why does my tooth hurt when I drink hot drinks? ›This pain is the result of enamel wearing away over time, exposing the soft, inner part of the tooth, where the nerves live. Certain triggers—including hot foods and drinks—can aggravate these nerves, causing sensitive teeth.
Why do my teeth hurt when I drink liquid? ›Dentine has tiny tubules that are connected to the nerves in the pulp of the tooth and are filled with fluid. Eating or drinking foods and drinks that are hot, cold or sweet can cause a change in fluid movement. This fluid movement causes the nerve endings to react in response, triggering a short, sharp pain.
What helps tooth sensitivity to hot and cold? ›- Desensitizing toothpaste. ...
- Fluoride gel. ...
- A crown, inlay or bonding. ...
- Surgical gum graft. ...
- Root canal.
Sensitivity. A lot of people have sensitive teeth. And just because you may have some sensitivity, especially with hot or cold food and drinks, doesn't necessarily mean you need a root canal. However, those who do need a root canal have sensitivity that doesn't go away once the hot or cold element is removed.
Will tooth sensitivity go away on its own? ›Yes. In some cases, teeth sensitivity goes away on its own — especially if it's due to a recent dental procedure, such as a filling or root canal. If you have teeth sensitivity that lingers and doesn't go away, talk to a dentist. You might have worn enamel or exposed teeth roots.
What are the signs of needing a root canal? ›- One Of The Signs You Need A Root Canal Is Persistent Pain. ...
- Chipped Or Cracked Tooth. ...
- Sensitivity To Heat or Cold. ...
- Gum Area Is Swollen. ...
- Dark Discoloration Of The Tooth. ...
- Prolonged Sensitivity. ...
- Deep Decay. ...
- Don't Panic, Get It Taken Care Of Today!
- Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. ...
- Fluoride. ...
- Desensitizing or bonding. ...
- Surgical gum graft. ...
- Root canal.
Cavities can cause tooth sensitivity, but the presence of tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean you have one or more cavities. If you are unsure, it is important to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Largo for a full examination. The edges of your teeth feel rough.
How can I restore the enamel on my teeth? ›- Practice good oral hygiene. It is always essential to practice good oral hygiene even if you do not see enamel erosion. ...
- Use fluoride treatment. ...
- Avoid harmful foods. ...
- Visit the dentist regularly.
Does Sensodyne actually work? ›
Sensodyne claims to protect sensitive teeth by repairing vulnerable spots, but does it really work? YES! Researchers in Italy recently confirmed it. The outermost layer of your teeth can wear down from mechanical factors, such as grinding or from erosive chemicals, like acids found in some foods.
Does cold sensitivity mean cavity? ›Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is often a warning sign that a cavity is forming and that it's time to make an appointment to see your dentist. The outer layer of your teeth is a protective surface called enamel. Unlike cavities, erosion is not caused by bacteria.
When should I be worried about sensitive teeth? ›If the pain or sensitivity becomes severe to the point where it prohibits the patient from carrying out their daily routine in a normal manner, then it is time to visit the dentist as soon as possible. There are several reasons why visiting the dentist for intolerable teeth sensitivity is important.
Do they put you to sleep for a root canal? ›There are two types of sedation to help people feel at ease during their root canal procedure. During conscious sedation, the patient remains awake. During unconscious sedation, the patient is put to sleep.
When is it too late for a root canal? ›Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection
If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
Does Listerine help sensitive teeth? ›Simple changes to your dietary habits, proper care, good oral hygiene, including rinsing with the LISTERINE® Sensitivity mouthwash, can result in pain relief and the reversal of tooth sensitivity.
Which toothpaste is best for sensitive teeth? ›- Sensodyne Toothpaste Repair and Protect Sensitive Toothpaste. ...
- Colgate Sensitive Plus Toothpaste. ...
- Dr. ...
- Himalaya Herbals Sensitive Toothpaste. ...
- Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste with Clove Oil.
Causes of Tooth Nerve Pain
Causes of nerve pain in teeth that affect the pulp include a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, tooth decay or infection, a recent tooth filling, and pressure from clenching or grinding your teeth.
When you get an x-ray, this will give definitive proof that you need to get a root canal. The x-ray gives the dentist a clear view of any infection in the tooth especially one at the root of the tooth.
What does a tooth that needs a root canal feel like? ›
In short, when you need a root canal, it may feel like throbbing pain due to infection inside of the root of your tooth. A visible fistula, swelling, or temperature sensitivity might be present. Bacteria can also lead to foul-tasting drainage along the gum tissue near your root.
When do you need a root canal vs filling? ›While a filling is perfect to take care of minor cavities and tooth damage, a root canal is used when the infection has reached the pulp. The pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves, is extracted when you acquire a root canal near you, the tooth is filled and a crown is often put in place afterwards.
Why do all my teeth hurt on one side? ›When a person experiences pain on all their teeth on one side, it could be because the gums have been affected. When gums become swollen, it will cause pain in the surrounding teeth. This will make all the teeth on that side painful. A cracked tooth could be the problem.
Why are all my teeth hurting suddenly? ›The most likely things that cause sudden toothache are infected or cracked teeth, or the development of tooth sensitivity along with another problem. The good thing about sudden tooth pain is that most causes are easily treatable by your dentist.
Why have all my teeth suddenly become sensitive? ›Tooth sensitivity can occur when tooth enamel has been worn down, and the dentin or the even the nerves of teeth are exposed. When these surfaces are exposed, eating or drinking something with an extremely low or high temperature may cause you to feel a sudden, sharp flash of pain.
Is Colgate better than Sensodyne? ›Conclusion: Colgate Sensitive Pro-ReliefToothpaste, used twice daily, significantly reduces dentin hypersensitivity, and is significantly more effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity than Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste and Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste.
Why does my tooth hurt but I don't have a cavity? ›Although cavities are one of the most common causes of tooth pain, they're not the only cause. Toothaches can also stem from gum disease, tooth sensitivity, bruxism, a cracked tooth, an abscess, or an impacted tooth. Even food stuck between teeth can cause dental pain.
Can you leave Sensodyne on overnight? ›Yes. I often recommend to patients that, at night, they brush their teeth and then take a little Sensodyne on a finger and rub it into whatever teeth are sensitive. Spit out the excess but don't rinse, and then go to bed.
How do you tell if your enamel is gone? ›- Sensitivity. Certain foods (sweets) and temperatures of foods (hot or cold) may cause a twinge of pain in the early stage of enamel erosion.
- Discoloration. ...
- Cracks and chips. ...
- Smooth, shiny surfaces on the teeth, a sign of mineral loss.
- Severe, painful sensitivity. ...
- Cupping.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry in 2009 found that Sensodyne Pronamel and Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening were both highly effective at remineralizing teeth. It also found that these toothpastes offered very good anti-erosion protection.
Why are my teeth losing enamel? ›
Causes of enamel erosion
But if you consume too much acidic food and drink, and don't properly brush your teeth, the outer layer of enamel will degrade over time. Enamel erosion can be caused by what you eat, particularly: sugary foods, such as ice cream, syrups, and caramel. starchy foods, such as white breads.
Can I use Sensodyne toothpaste every day? Yes. Sensodyne is a daily toothpaste specially formulated to relieve and protect against tooth sensitivity* and is the #1 dentist recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth.
Should you rinse after using Sensodyne? ›Don't rinse your mouth with water straight after brushing your teeth! 6 This washes out your toothpaste and prevents it from doing its job. Instead after brushing, just spit out any excess toothpaste.
Do your teeth become more sensitive with age? ›Many adults find that their teeth get sensitive over time. This is a natural result of aging, but you don't need to suffer with sensitive teeth.
How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve? ›- Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums.
While the difference between sensitivity and pain may be somewhat blurry, we can say that sensitive teeth usually produce discomfort in response to a stimulus like temperature, pressure, or even the sweetness of particular foods.
Should I go to the dentist for a sensitive tooth? ›Visiting the Dentist with Sensitive Teeth. If your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet or sour, you should tell your dentist. Some people naturally have more sensitive teeth than others, but if your teeth have become more sensitive suddenly or over time, this could be a sign of a dental problem.
What does hot and cold tooth sensitivity mean? ›When to see a dentist. If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days and reacts to both hot and cold temperatures, it's time to visit your dentist. Sensitivity may be a sign of a cavity or infected tooth pulp.
Does ibuprofen help tooth sensitivity? ›Over the counter painkillers: If your teeth are sensitive, toothaches may be alleviated with pain medication such as Ibuprofen, which will help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
What is the fastest way to cure sensitive teeth? ›- Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth. ...
- Use Only Soft Toothbrushes. ...
- Use a Mouthguard at Night. ...
- Have Your Gums Checked by a Dentist.
- Make a Salt Water Mouthwash. ...
- Oil Pulling: Swishing With Coconut Oil. ...
- Dental Varnishes and Coatings that Control Sensitivity. ...
- Relieve Pain With Clove.
How long does it take for tooth sensitivity to go away? ›
Dental Treatments and Sensitive Teeth
With treatments such as regular dental cleanings, crowns, fillings, and more, you may experience slight discomfort and sensitivity for a few hours following your appointment. This is completely normal and typically resolves within 4 to 6 hours.
Cavities can cause tooth sensitivity, but the presence of tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean you have one or more cavities. If you are unsure, it is important to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Largo for a full examination. The edges of your teeth feel rough.
Does cold sensitivity mean cavity? ›Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is often a warning sign that a cavity is forming and that it's time to make an appointment to see your dentist. The outer layer of your teeth is a protective surface called enamel. Unlike cavities, erosion is not caused by bacteria.
Does Sensodyne actually work? ›Sensodyne claims to protect sensitive teeth by repairing vulnerable spots, but does it really work? YES! Researchers in Italy recently confirmed it. The outermost layer of your teeth can wear down from mechanical factors, such as grinding or from erosive chemicals, like acids found in some foods.
Why do all my teeth hurt on one side? ›When a person experiences pain on all their teeth on one side, it could be because the gums have been affected. When gums become swollen, it will cause pain in the surrounding teeth. This will make all the teeth on that side painful. A cracked tooth could be the problem.
Why are all my teeth hurting suddenly? ›The most likely things that cause sudden toothache are infected or cracked teeth, or the development of tooth sensitivity along with another problem. The good thing about sudden tooth pain is that most causes are easily treatable by your dentist.
When should you go to the dentist for a sensitive tooth? ›You Have Highly Sensitive Tooth That Lasts for Several Days
In addition, avoid foods that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates. If you've already tried these tips and you still experience tooth sensitivity that lasts for more than three days, you should visit your dentist.
The reason your dentist normally numbs your mouth as part of the filling process is that they must use a drill to remove decayed tissue from inside the tooth. Without anesthesia, you may feel some twinges of pain while that is happening.
Can Sensodyne cure toothache? ›Toothache pain relief from this condition may be possible by using a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, like Prevident 5000 for sensitive teeth. Gently rubbing Sensodyne Toothpaste at the gum line with your fingertip may also provide toothache pain relief.
Is Colgate better than Sensodyne? ›Conclusion: Colgate Sensitive Pro-ReliefToothpaste, used twice daily, significantly reduces dentin hypersensitivity, and is significantly more effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity than Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste and Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste.
Why does my tooth hurt but I don't have a cavity? ›
Although cavities are one of the most common causes of tooth pain, they're not the only cause. Toothaches can also stem from gum disease, tooth sensitivity, bruxism, a cracked tooth, an abscess, or an impacted tooth. Even food stuck between teeth can cause dental pain.
Can you leave Sensodyne on overnight? ›Yes. I often recommend to patients that, at night, they brush their teeth and then take a little Sensodyne on a finger and rub it into whatever teeth are sensitive. Spit out the excess but don't rinse, and then go to bed.
What are the signs of needing a root canal? ›- One Of The Signs You Need A Root Canal Is Persistent Pain. ...
- Chipped Or Cracked Tooth. ...
- Sensitivity To Heat or Cold. ...
- Gum Area Is Swollen. ...
- Dark Discoloration Of The Tooth. ...
- Prolonged Sensitivity. ...
- Deep Decay. ...
- Don't Panic, Get It Taken Care Of Today!
- Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums.
- Sensodyne. Extra Fresh Repair & Protect is just one of Sensodyne's many options for sensitive tooth toothpaste. ...
- Colgate SF and Colgate Sensitive. ...
- Tom's of Maine Rapid Relief Sensitive. ...
- Squigle Tooth Builder Sensitive Toothpaste. ...
- hello sensitivity relief fluoride toothpaste.