What Causes Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Drinks? Complete Guide!

Everyone suffers from sensitive teeth to hot and cold foods and drinks. Whether it be a sharp pain when you take a sip of hot coffee or when enjoying some cold ice cream, knowing the reasons behind it can help you get relief and keep your teeth healthy.

Your teeth have a tough outer shell to protect the sensitive nerve inside. When this wears away or the gums recede then the hot and cold can cause pain. This common issue is known as dentin hypersensitivity by medical professionals.

In this informative guide we will explain the exact reasons behind why your teeth may become sensitive, what increases the chances, how to diagnose it and treatment options recommended by dentists.

What Should You Know About Your Teeth and Nerve Pain?

To understand why your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold you need to know the basic anatomy. A healthy tooth contains three layers:

• Enamel – The hard white outer layer that protects the crown of the tooth.

• Dentin – The spongy middle layer that contains millions of tiny channels filled with fluid known as dentinal tubules.

• Pulp – The innermost part of the tooth containing blood vessels, connective tissue and sensitive nerves.

When the enamel wears away or gums recede the dentin becomes exposed. When there is a change in temperature the fluid in the dentinal tubules moves causing stimulation to the nerves in the pulp.

What Are the Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

How Does Erosion From Acidic Foods and Drinks Cause Sensitivity?

The enamel is the hardest material in our bodies. However, every day we expose our teeth to acid causing the enamel to wear away. Once worn away it cannot grow back so the dentin can become affected.

• Frequent Consumption – Eating lots of citrus fruits, tomatoes, fruit juice, fizzy drinks and sports drinks will erode the enamel.

• Acid Reflux – Suffering from acid reflux (GERD), morning sickness or frequent vomiting can cause the enamel to erode.

• Dry Mouth – Saliva helps neutralist the acid in the mouth and remineralise the enamel. If you suffer from dry mouth then your teeth will be exposed to acid quickly.

If you switch to plain water after eating acidic foods it will help wash away any remaining acid.

Can Harsh Brushing Cause Sensitive Teeth?

Brushing your teeth is vital for good oral hygiene however if done incorrectly it can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

• Hard Bristle Toothbrush – The stiff bristles are like sandpaper causing the enamel to wear.

• Harsh Circular Brushing – Brushing harshly in circular motions will cause grooves in the gum line.

• Gum Recession – The harsh pressure causes the gums to recede.

Using a soft bristle toothbrush and brushing gently in circular motions at a 45 degree angle will protect the enamel and gums.

How Does Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Sensitivity?

Healthy gums protect the roots of your teeth as they do not have enamel covering.

• Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums causing them to become red, swollen and bleed easily. They start to recede.

• Periodontitis – Advanced gum disease causing the bones and soft tissue to be destroyed exposing the roots. The dentin tubules become exposed.

• Plaque Build Up – Plaque builds up along the gum line causing toxins to be released inflaming the gums.

Regular cleanings and flossing will prevent gum disease progressing and protect the dentin on your roots.

Can Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth Cause Sensitivity?

Many people suffer from grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw when sleeping or stressed. This is known as bruxism.

• Micro Cracks – Constant pressure causes micro cracks in the enamel.

• Flat Surfaces – Severe grinding can cause the enamel to wear away completely.

• Ab-fraction – Pressure causes the enamel close to the gum line to flex causing small chips to fall off causing a deep notch.

Wearing a custom made mouth guard whilst sleeping will cushion your teeth and reduce the pressure from grinding.

How Does Tooth Decay Cause Sensitivity to Hot and Cold?

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of sensitivity to cold and hot. Bacteria in plaque feeds off sugars in our diets causing acids to be produced that cause holes in the teeth.

• Early Decay – The enamel becomes soft causing slight sensitivity to cold sweets and drinks.

• Deep Decay – As the cavity gets deeper into the dentin then hot and cold foods will cause sharp pain.

• Deep Decay – If the decay reaches near the pulp then it will cause severe throbbing pain.

Treat cavities quickly to prevent the bacteria from reaching the nerve.

Can Cracked Teeth Cause Sensitivity?

Trauma, chewing on hard objects or large fillings can cause cracks within the teeth.

• Flexing – Chewing causes the micro cracks to flex slightly allowing hot or cold fluids to enter the dentin and pulp.

• Expansion – Hot foods will cause the teeth to expand slightly and cold will cause them to contract causing more pain from the cracks.

• Cracked Fillings – If your fillings crack or are old then saliva and bacteria will enter underneath causing irritation to the nerve.

Special lights and x-rays will be used by dentists to find cracks that are not visible. Custom crowns or bonding can be used to add strength.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Normal After Dental Work?

It is completely normal to have some sensitivity after dental work.

• Scaling – Deep cleaning will cause the root to become exposed.

• New Fillings – Removing cavities deeply will cause irritation to the nerves causing sensitivity to cold air and drinks for a few days.

• Whitening – Whitening products enter the pores in the enamel to lift the stains causing irritation to the nerves.

Sensitivity after procedures usually goes after a few days to a couple of weeks.

How Do Dentists Diagnose Tooth Sensitivity?

If you are suffering from sensitivity for longer than a few days then visit your dentist. They will be able to give you a correct diagnosis.

• Examination – A special mirror and probe will be used to check for worn enamel, depth of gums and exposed dentin.

• Testing – Cold or warm air will be applied to identify which tooth is causing the pain.

• X-Rays – X-Rays will show any cavities between the teeth, root canal and jaw bone.

• Biting – Special biting tools will be used to identify any cracks in the teeth or high points on new dental work.

What Are the Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth?

Treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity.

• Desensitizing toothpaste – These contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride to block the nerve signals. Over time the open dentinal tubules will be blocked.

• Fluoride Varnish – High concentration fluoride can be applied to remineralise weak enamel.

• Bonding – A tooth colored bonding will be applied over the exposed root to block the temperature.

• Crowns – Crowns can be placed over severely worn or cracked teeth to strengthen them.

• Root Canal – If the sensitivity has become severe and constant then a root canal can be performed. This removes the infected pulp removing all pain.

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity Every Day?

Simple changes to your daily routines can help keep your enamel strong.

• Brush Twice A Day – Use a soft bristled brush and gently brush in circular motions.

• Fluoride Toothpaste – Using fluoride every day will strengthen the enamel.

• Floss – Floss between your teeth to remove any plaque build up.

• Drink Water – After eating acidic foods such as citrus, tomatoes or acidic drinks rinse with water.

• Don’t Use Your Teeth – Don’t bite your nails, chew ice or open packages with your teeth to avoid micro cracks.

What Are the Key Points to Remember About Tooth Sensitivity?

• Sensitivity occurs when enamel wears thin or gums recede causing the spongy dentin to be exposed.

• Use a soft bristled brush and gently brush in circular motions to protect your enamel and gums.

• Limit acidic drinks such as fizzy drinks, citrus drinks and sports drinks.

• If you suffer from teeth grinding wear a custom mouth guard to prevent fracturing and wearing of your roots.

• Use desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate every day.

• Visit your dentist every 6 months for check ups. This will help pick up cavities, gum disease and cracks early.

• If you are experiencing severe pain then visit your dentist.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Sensitive Teeth?

Will Sensitive Teeth Go Away?

Mild sensitivity caused by recent dental work or slight irritation to the enamel will usually go away within a few days/weeks. However sensitivity caused by deep decay, cracked teeth or receding gums will not go away without dental treatment.

What Is the Difference Between Cold Sensitivity and Hot Sensitivity?

Cold sensitivity usually means your dentin is exposed or your enamel is worn slightly. This is common and can be easily treated. Hot sensitivity usually means your nerves are inflamed, you have deep decay or damaged pulp. This should be checked by an endodontist.

How Long Does Desensitizing Toothpaste Take to Work?

Usually you will need to use desensitizing toothpaste every day for 2-3 weeks to see any improvement. The active ingredients need time to build up in the open dentinal tubules.

Is Whitening Safe if I Have Sensitive Teeth?

If you suffer from sensitive teeth then speak to your dentist before using any over the counter whitening products. They can offer you low concentration gels, desensitizing products or other options to protect your enamel.

Understanding why your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold can help you take steps to protect your smile. No matter what the reason is whether it be enamel wearing away, harsh brushing, receding gums or hidden decay there are safe, quick and long lasting treatments available. By being gentle with your daily oral hygiene, changing your diet and visiting your dentist regularly you can enjoy your favorite hot and cold foods with ease and keep your teeth strong and healthy.