Why Do My Teeth Hurt With Cold Water? Causes and Treatments

Why Do My Teeth Hurt With Cold Water?

Having sensitivity to cold is a common dental problem that affects millions of people. While occasional sensitivity can be normal, consistent pain from cold food or drinks can be annoying and disruptive to your daily life. Understanding the potential causes of this condition can help you get the right treatment to stop the pain and sensitivity.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity to Cold

There are several possible explanations for why your teeth may hurt when exposed to cold water or foods:

Exposed Dentin

Dentin is the tissue layer underneath the hard enamel that covers the crowns of your teeth. When the enamel erodes or gets damaged, the dentin underneath can become exposed. Dentin contains thousands of microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth, making it highly sensitive.

Enamel can wear away from factors like:

• Brushing too aggressively
• Tooth grinding
• Acidic foods and drinks
• Gum disease

This loss of protective enamel is the most common reason for tooth sensitivity to cold.

Tooth Decay

Cavities from tooth decay can also make your teeth sensitive to cold. Decay causes weak spots in the enamel that allow heat and cold to reach the inner dentin more readily. The more advanced the decay, the worse the sensitivity becomes.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Cracks or fractures in your teeth disrupt the protective enamel layer and expose the dentin underneath. These cracks act as channels for hot or cold stimuli to reach the tooth's inner nerve. Cracks are often very painful when exposed to temperature changes.

Gum Recession

When your gums recede, more of the tooth's root surface is uncovered. Tooth roots do not have a thick enamel layer like the crown of the tooth. With less gum tissue protecting it, the root's dentin can easily become exposed and cause sensitivity.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing tooth sensitivity to cold:

• Age: Enamel naturally thins over time. Older adults are more likely to have receding gums and exposed dentin.
• Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard with stiff bristles can wear down enamel.
• Acidic foods/drinks: Frequent consumption of acidic items can erode enamel.
• Tooth grinding: Grinding or clenching can crack teeth and rub down enamel.
• Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis damage gum tissue, causing recession.
• Teeth whitening: Whiteners can make teeth more porous and prone to sensitivity.
• Dental work: Procedures like root canals, crowns, and tooth implants can increase sensitivity.

When to See a Dentist

Occasional sensitivity to cold foods or drinks is usually not a major concern. However, if you experience frequent pain or discomfort from hot or cold temperatures, it's best to get examined by a dentist.

See a dentist right away if you have:

• Constant sensitivity that disrupts your daily life
• Lingering pain that lasts several seconds after eating/drinking cold items
• Sensitivity accompanied by tooth decay or cracks
• Bleeding, swelling, or receding gums
• Sudden sensitivity that wasn't previously there

Leaving sensitivity untreated allows more damage to occur to enamel and dentin. It's best to address the issue early before it worsens.

Diagnosis of Tooth Sensitivity

During your dental visit for cold sensitivity, your dentist will:

• Ask about your symptoms and when they occur
• Examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, cracks, or gum disease
• Test areas using a cold air jet to pinpoint sensitive spots
• Take x-rays to check for underlying dental issues
• Check your bite alignment for signs of grinding or clenching

Your dentist will then diagnose what's causing the sensitivity and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options

Treatments for sensitivity range from at-home remedies to professional dental procedures:

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Special toothpastes contain compounds like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride to numb nerve activity in your teeth. Brushing with desensitizing pastes can provide relief in as little as 1-2 weeks.

Fluoride Gel

Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride gel that you apply directly to sensitive areas before bedtime. The fluoride helps rebuild enamel and plug exposed dentin tubules.

Bonding

Composite resin material can be applied over worn enamel or exposed root surfaces to act as a barrier against sensitivity triggers.

Crowns

Dental crowns fully encase damaged teeth to protect them. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are often used for front visible teeth.

Root Canal

If decay is severe, a root canal may be needed to remove the inflamed nerve and pulp inside the tooth. This can completely stop sensitivity.

Gum Surgery

Grafting surgery can be used to rebuild receding gums and cover exposed root surfaces that are causing sensitivity.

Tips to Prevent Cold Sensitivity

You can help avoid and minimize cold sensitivity with these helpful tips:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes
• Rinse with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks
• Avoid using teeth as tools (e.g. cracking nuts, opening packaging)
• Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
• Get dental cleanings every 6 months to maintain healthy gums
• Use desensitizing toothpaste daily
• Drink beverages through a straw to minimize contact with teeth
• Have cracked fillings or defective dental work replaced

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

While cold sensitivity is normally not a dental emergency, sometimes it can indicate a serious problem requiring urgent care. Seek emergency dental treatment if you experience:

• Sudden, severe tooth pain that keeps you awake at night
• Swelling in your face, cheeks, or gums
• Bleeding for more than 10-15 minutes after losing a filling or injuring your teeth
• Trauma causing teeth to become very loose or get knocked out
• Numbness or tingling in your tongue, lips, face, or jaw

Getting prompt care for dental emergencies can save teeth and prevent dangerous complications. Otherwise, call your dentist promptly if your cold sensitivity is severe or persists despite treatment.

Takeaways

• Common reasons for tooth sensitivity to cold include exposed dentin, cavities, cracks, and receding gums.
• See your dentist promptly if cold sensitivity is frequent or causes significant discomfort.
• Treatment options range from desensitizing toothpaste to dental work like crowns or gum surgery.
• Practice good oral hygiene and dental care to help avoid tooth sensitivity triggers.
• Seek emergency dental treatment if you have symptoms like severe constant pain, swelling, or trauma.

Being mindful of your oral health habits and getting regular professional care can help keep your teeth protected and prevent sensitive spots from developing. But if you do experience any consistent discomfort from cold, don't ignore it - bring it up with your dentist right away to get the relief you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.