Why Do Your Teeth Hurt After Drinking Cold Water?

Drinking a glass of icy water should make you feel refreshed but if your teeth are hurting when you do, then you have tooth sensitivity. Millions of people suffer from tooth sensitivity every day. Often the first signs are ignored until it becomes a real problem.

Understanding why your teeth are sensitive to cold will help you. This article explains the causes of cold sensitivity, when to seek help from your dentist and how to treat it.

Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When Cold?

Understanding the anatomy of your teeth will explain why you get pain. A normal tooth has three layers:

Enamel – this is the hardest part of the human body which covers your teeth. This insulates your teeth from hot, cold and acid.
Dentine – this is a layer below the enamel. It contains tiny tubes filled with fluids called dentinal tubules. These run directly to your nerve.
Pulp – this is the center of your tooth. It contains blood vessels and nerves.

When your enamel becomes worn down or your gums recede, cold water will come into contact with your dentine. The cold causes the fluids in the dentinal tubules to contract quickly. This causes your nerves in the pulp to fire.

What Are the Main Reasons for Cold Tooth Pain?

There will be a reason why your dentine is exposed. Knowing the cause will help your dentist come up with a treatment.

Acidic Foods – eating things like citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, coffee and wine will cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. Less enamel means your teeth are more vulnerable to cold.
Hard Brushing – brushing your teeth with too much pressure and using a firm toothbrush will cause the enamel to wear down. Hard brushing will also cause your sensitive gums to recede.
Gum Recession – periodontal disease, natural aging and poor oral hygiene will cause your gums to recede. Your tooth roots don’t have a protective layer of enamel. They have a thin layer of cementum which will easily wear down.
Bruxism – teeth grinding whilst sleeping can cause a lot of pressure on your teeth. This wears down the biting surfaces and causes tiny cracks near your gums.
Cracked Teeth – your teeth can crack due to trauma or chewing on hard objects like ice. This will cause the cold to head straight to your pulp.
New Fillings/Crowns/Whitening – it is very common to get some sensitivity after having a new filling, crown or whitening. This should improve after a few weeks.

How Do Dentists Diagnose Dentin Hypersensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by slight erosion of enamel or severe infection so it’s important to get a correct diagnosis.

At your dental practice a qualified dentist will perform an examination. The following will happen:

Examining – the dentist will use a tool to examine your teeth for cavities, worn enamel, cracks and gum recession.
Air/ Cold – the dentist will blow cool air or apply cold to your teeth to locate the source of pain.
X-Rays – dentists will take high quality x-rays to look at your teeth. This will show the dentist the amount of bone, what is happening between your teeth and if there are any deep abscesses.
Gums – the dentist will measure your gums to see if you have gum disease.

What Treatments Are Available From Your Dentist?

Depending on the cause and severity of your pain, your dentist will suggest one or more of these treatments:

Fluoride Varnish – your dentist will apply a highly concentrated fluoride solution or gel to your exposed dentine. This will strengthen your weak enamel and block the open tubules.
Bonding – if you have visible enamel loss or deep grooves near your gum line your dentist will apply a bonding material. This is a tooth colored composite resin material that will cover your exposed dentine.
Night Guard – if your sensitivity is caused by grinding your dentist will make you a custom made acrylic guard to wear at night. This will protect your enamel.
Gum Graft – if you have severe gum recession and your roots are completely exposed, a periodontist will perform a small operation to graft your gums. This will cover your exposed roots.
Root Canal – if you have severe pain lasting several minutes after drinking cold water, your pulp nerve may have become inflamed or infected. This is a serious medical issue and your dentist will perform a root canal to remove the dead nerve.

What Are the Simple Ways to Prevent Sensitivity?

Making a few changes to your daily oral hygiene can help protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity.

Desensitizing toothpaste – these pastes have ingredients such as potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride. Potassium nitrate stops pain signals reaching your nerve. Stannous fluoride seals the open tubules. Using regularly will give relief in 2-4 weeks.
Soft Bristle Toothbrush – always use a soft bristle toothbrush. Brush gently in small circles.
Don’t brush straight after eating – acidic foods will weaken the enamel. Wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods or drinking citrus juice. This will give your saliva time to remineralise your teeth.
Regular Check Ups – have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every 6 months. This will help your dentist spot any enamel loss or early gum disease.

When Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist?

Occasionally you’ll get slight sensitivity to cold water but if you experience the following you should visit an emergency dentist.

Sharp pain lasting more than 30 seconds after drinking cold liquids.
A continuous throbbing sensation with no cause or keeping you up at night.
Swelling around the affected tooth.
Loose tooth or severe pain when biting.
Fever.

What Are the Tips to Help You Drink Comfortably?

Your body is telling you that your natural defense is not protecting your teeth. Whether this is due to enamel erosion, hard brushing or exposed roots there are solutions available from modern dentistry.

Don’t let sharp tooth pain stop you from enjoying your favorite cold drinks. Visit a qualified dental professional who will diagnose your issue and provide you with a suitable treatment. This will help keep your natural smile protected for years to come.