Do you pass on ice cream, cold soda, or maybe everyday cold food because it triggers unbearable sharp pain to your teeth? Your teeth become sensitive when the enamel erodes and when your gums recede. The nerve endings in your teeth then get exposed. When these nerves contact cold food or even cold air, you feel a sharp temporary pain.
Sensitivity is not uncommon. In fact, in the United States, one in eight people have sensitivity to cold. It is more common among people between 20 and 40 years, women being the majority.
The possible causes of sensitivity to cold food and drinks include:
- Tooth decay (cavities): Tooth decay among Americans is exceptionally high due to the level of sugars and fermentable carbohydrates When not cleaned, plaque forms and can cause dental holes that can expose the nerves.
- Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can expose nerves in your tooth, causing sensitivity to cold.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity. In the US, almost half of adults over 30 have gum disease (according to CDC).
- Worn tooth enamel: Enamel protects the inner part of the tooth. It can get eroded from acidic and sugary diets exposing nerves.
- Gum recession: Gum recession can lead to the exposure of the sensitive dentine layer causing cold sensitivity.
How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity to Cold
Good oral hygiene can reverse some cases of sensitivity and other oral/dental diseases. Also, visiting a dental professional for regular checkups will help you track any developing conditions.
Your dentist will recommend products that can help you manage your sensitivity depending on the severity of your condition.
Other practices that can help you manage cold-sensitivity include:
- Drinking using straw
- Brushing with warm water
- Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Breathing through your nose
Get Professional Dental Treatment
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), you should visit professionals when your pain lingers for more than 30 seconds after contact with cold food or drink. Your sensitivity could be due to several reasons and may signal other dental problems that could be developing and that you can avoid.
Depending on what causes your cold sensitivity, your dental professional may suggest the following treatments:
- A crown placement, inlay, or bonding: Your dental professional may one of these if you have a fractured or decaying tooth.
- Fluoride gel treatment: Fluoride gel strengthens the tooth enamel and reduces pain signals transmitted to your brain.
- Root canal procedure: Your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure if your sensitivity is severe and cannot be treated by other means.
- Surgical gum graft: This is done if you have lost gum tissue. If your gums have receded. Some tissue can be removed from the top of your mouth and grafted to the affected gum area.
- Desensitizing toothpaste: This toothpaste contains compounds that restrict the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerves.
Let the Dental Group of Simi Valley Help You
If you have sensitive teeth, it is possible that you cannot 
think of any worse pain. The pain that dictates how you have to eat your food or even drink a glass of water on a hot summer day makes your life nothing close to normal. The good news, however, is that you can end your sensitivity today if you schedule an appointment with us at Dental Group of Simi Valley.
The Dental Group of Simi Valley serves the residents of Simi Valley California and the surrounding areas. We offer expert dental services and advice on how to care for your mouth. We explore all options to give you satisfying dental care. Call us to book an appointment or speak with our staff about your concerns.
