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Cold sensitivity usually means you have a dental health issue, such as tooth decay, damaged dental enamel, or gum disease. If your teeth or gums ache when exposed to cold, you should see your dentist right away to reduce pain right now and protect your health (and bank account!) in the near future.
The dental problems that can create cold sensitivity include:
1. Worn out tooth enamel and dentin
Tooth sensitivity often stems from the exposure of dentin, the layer beneath a tooth’s protective enamel. Enamel acts as a barrier, safeguarding the inner structures of the tooth from external stimuli. But enamel can erode due to several factors, such as overly enthusiastic tooth brushing, frequent exposure to acidic foods, some types of at-home teeth whitening experiments, or grinding your teeth. When the dentin becomes exposed, it allows cold to directly reach the nerve endings inside the tooth, causing pain.
2. Gum Recession
Gum recession, which occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, can lead to cold sensitivity. When the roots of the teeth become exposed due to receding gums, they lack the protective enamel covering found on the crowns. Consequently, cold temperatures can directly affect the nerves in the tooth roots, triggering sensitivity. Receding gums are often caused by gum disease.
3. Dental Cavities
When a cavity forms, it creates an opening that exposes the inner layers of the tooth to external elements, including cold temperatures. Consequently, cold food or beverages can cause discomfort as they come into contact with the damaged tooth structure.
4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Cracks or chips in the teeth can create pathways for cold sensations to penetrate deeper into the tooth structure. These cracks may result from various factors, including trauma, teeth grinding, or biting down on hard objects. Cracked or chipped teeth can be highly sensitive to cold temperatures.
5. Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. As the disease progresses, it can cause gum recession, leading to cold sensitivity. Additionally, the inflammation associated with gum disease can irritate the nerve endings, amplifying the sensitivity.
6. Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, fillings, or crowns, can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold. The chemicals used in whitening agents, or the sensitivity caused by the manipulation of the tooth during dental work, can lead to heightened sensitivity for a period following the procedure.
How to make your teeth less sensitive to cold
The first step in managing tooth cold sensitivity is seeing your dentist as often as advised (typically, that’s twice a year) for a checkup and cleaning. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your oral and overall health.
And make sure to treat your teeth gently. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your dental enamel and gums, and cause tooth sensitivity. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush your teeth with gentle, circular motions and avoid applying excessive pressure. But avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or beverages, as acids can temporarily soften dental enamel. Rinse gently with plain water after drinking or eating acidic foods, and then wait for about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing.
Consuming acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel and exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Limit your intake of acidic beverages such as soda, citrus juices, and sports drinks. Additionally, be mindful of acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, and pickles.
If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist. They may advise you to use a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth during the day, try to be conscious of the habit and make an effort to relax your jaw and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your teeth.
Your budget and dental care for damaged teeth
Teeth sensitivity may seem like no big deal – something that’s normal when eating ice cream or sipping ice-cold water – but it’s really not something to ignore. If you recently had dental work done, it’s likely that the sensitivity will pass quickly. Check in with your dentist if you have any questions about the normal healing process for whatever procedure you had.
Otherwise, if you experience pain when exposed to temperature changes, it’s important to see your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Teeth simply do not “get better” on their own. Left untreated, a small cavity can turn into a big, expensive problem.
If you’ve been delaying dental care due to anticipated high costs, you may want to investigate dental savings plans. Dental savings plans are a trusted alternative to dental insurance that activate quickly and (unlike dental insurance) have no annual limits on how much you can save. You can even save on procedures to treat your long-standing dental problems.
You can easily explore all your savings options at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. As noted above, dental savings plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care. And we make it simple to join the plan that’s right for you – call us today at 1-833-735-0399 or use our calculator below to see what you could save, right now.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from the DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.