Suffering from tooth hypersensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks is a common problem, though this doesn’t mean that it isn’t an extremely uncomfortable experience. This article will explain why these sensations occur and what you can do to provide relief for teeth sensitive to hot and cold.
Why is my tooth sensitive to hot and cold?
Do you find that your tooth is sensitive to cold water? Perhaps you find your tooth is sensitive to hot drinks? There are various reasons for this, some of which are listed below. However, if you are worried about your teeth, it is best to speak to a dentist who will be able to assess the problem.
- Enamel erosion: Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth, designed to shield the softer layer of dentin below. Enamel erosion leaves the dentin, containing tubules connected to your nerves, exposed. If your tooth is sensitive to cold and hot drinks and food, and particularly if your tooth hurts drinking cold water, exposed nerves may be the cause.
- Receding gums: Receding gums is a process where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your teeth. This section of your teeth contains tubules connected to your nerves, and if the tubules are exposed these can send through pain signals. As with enamel erosion, the discomfort can worsen when eating and drinking hot and cold food and drinks.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth weakens your tooth’s enamel and creates cavities.
- Grinding teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear away the important enamel protecting the softer inner section of your teeth. To find out what you can do about this, read our article: Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Grinding.
How to manage and prevent tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Brush your teeth twice a day: You should brush your teeth once before you go to bed and once more during the day, generally recommended in the morning. Brushing your teeth helps to remove food and plaque. Plaque is a pale film that contains bacteria and damages your enamel. When treating hypersensitivity, brush with Regenerate™ NR-5+ Hypersensitivity Toothpaste morning and night, massaging a pea-sized amount onto sensitive areas after evening brushing. Follow the use instructions on the packaging.
- Don’t brush your teeth too hard: Brushing too hard side-to-side, particularly along your gum line, can cause faster erosion of the protective layer of enamel. Instead, brush in gentle, circular motions.
- Be mindful of the food and drink you consume: Fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, tea and coffee – these are all highly acidic and can erode your teeth. To find out more, head to our article about how food and drink may damage your teeth.
- Select products tailored to tooth sensitivity: If your tooth is sensitive to cold and hot food and drink, make sure you’re using effective products to maintain oral hygiene and manage and prevent tooth sensitivity. Regenerate™ Hypersensitivity Toothpaste is a specially formulated medical device toothpaste clinically proven to treat sensitivity and stop pain. The toothpaste contains a patented technology which forms a fresh supply of enamel minerals that wrap and integrate onto teeth to deeply rescue the exposed hypersensitive areas.
It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing intense or prolonged pain, your tooth is very sensitive to cold or hot drinks, or you’re worried about your teeth in general, always consult with your dentist. They’ll be able to offer professional, tailored advice for your individual needs and a healthy smile.
