Cold sensitivity in teeth isn’t a rare phenomenon. Some people are more sensitive to the cold when they are eating things like ice cream or drinking cold beverages. However, you still need to figure out if you are experiencing that feeling because you have teeth that are sensitive to the cold or if you have a dental health issue that needs to be addressed.
Causes of Cold Sensitivity In Teeth
There are a number of possible causes that can lead to cold sensitivity in teeth. Most of these are related to the nerves that can be exposed if your gums are receding or because your tooth enamel is becoming worn.
Some of these causes include the following:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Fractured tooth
- Cavities
- Exposed tooth root
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
How Does Cold Sensitivity In Teeth Happen?
A healthy tooth is composed of numerous layers including enamel, cementum, and dentin. The enamel is a strong mineral substance that protects the crown of your tooth. This is the area that you can see above the gum line.
The cementum is a layer that’s located under the gum line. Dentin is a substance that is located under both the enamel and cementum. It’s not as dense as cementum and enamel. This is partly because dentin is composed of microscopic tubes and canals that are hollow. Known as tubules, they allow cold and heat, as well as sticky and acidic foods, to enter the tooth’s nerves once the dentin is exposed. This can occur if your gums recede with cold sensitivity being the result.
What Can Lead To Cold Sensitivity In Teeth?
There are several items that can lead to cold sensitivity. These include:
Grinding
Known as bruxism or tooth grinding, this unconscious behavior can lead to your tooth enamel being worn away. This, in turn, exposes the nerves.
Improper Brushing Technique
Many people grew up thinking that brushing their teeth requires a great deal of exertion and force in order to do a good job. This, however, can wear the enamel down and lead to cold sensitive teeth.
Too Much Product Use
Having a white smile is very important to many people. Overusing treatments that are focused on delivering whiter teeth can wear down the enamel and increase your sensitivity to cold foods and beverages.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods and beverages like coffee, wine, and tomatoes can hasten the loss of your tooth enamel. The loss of tooth enamel, in turns, exposes the tooth and causes cavities. Over time, this could lead to cold sensitivity.
Gum Disease
This is probably the number one reason why people have a sensitivity to the cold. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Left there, plaque hardens into tartar within a matter of hours.
Cracked Teeth
Not all cracked teeth are the result of an injury. Tiny cracks can develop in your teeth as they contract and expand when exposed to changing temperatures.
Treatment for Cold Sensitivity In Teeth
If you are concerned about your teeth being sensitive to the cold, Greenwood Dental Care is here to help. We offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more to families in Lake County, IL. Contact us online or call 855.528.3961 to set up an appointment today.
