You take a sip of ice water or bite into ice cream, and suddenly you feel a sharp pain in one of your teeth. It may disappear almost as quickly as it started, but it’s enough to make you wonder what’s going on.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do my teeth hurt when I eat or drink something cold?” you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental concern, and while an occasional twinge isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious problem, recurring or worsening sensitivity is worth paying attention to.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat or Drink Something Cold?
Cold sensitivity often happens when dentin, the layer of the tooth underneath the enamel, becomes exposed. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that let temperature changes reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. When that happens, something as simple as a cold drink can cause a quick, sharp sensation.
But exposed dentin isn’t the only possibility. According to the American Dental Association, sensitive teeth can also be associated with tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn enamel, or exposed tooth roots.
The location, severity, and duration of your sensitivity can offer clues about what may be causing it.
Common Causes of Cold Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold, there are several potential explanations.
Worn tooth enamel: Enamel forms the protective outer layer of your teeth. As it wears down, the dentin underneath may become more vulnerable to temperature changes.
Gum recession: When gums pull away from the teeth, portions of the roots can become exposed. Tooth roots don’t have the same protective enamel covering as the crowns of your teeth, which can make them particularly sensitive.
Tooth decay: A cavity can damage the tooth’s protective structure and cause sensitivity. Depending on how far the decay has progressed, you may notice discomfort with cold, sweets, or biting and chewing.
A cracked tooth: Cracks aren’t always easy to see. A cracked tooth may cause intermittent pain when chewing or sudden sensitivity when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
A worn or damaged filling: Older fillings can wear down or become loose, potentially exposing sensitive areas of the tooth.
Recent dental treatment: Teeth can sometimes become temporarily more sensitive after dental work. If sensitivity persists or gets worse instead of gradually improving, let your dentist know.
Is Cold Sensitivity Always a Dental Problem?
Not necessarily. A brief twinge that goes away immediately may be related to mild tooth sensitivity. But there’s an important difference between a quick reaction to something cold and lingering pain.
The American Association of Endodontists notes that momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods may be caused by minor decay, a loose filling, or slight gum recession. Pain that continues after the hot or cold item is gone can indicate a problem involving the tooth’s pulp and should be evaluated.
Pay attention to whether the sensitivity involves one tooth or several, how long the pain lasts, and whether you’re also experiencing pain when biting or chewing.
What Can I Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold, you don’t necessarily have to give up iced coffee or ice cream forever.
For mild sensitivity, a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help. These products contain ingredients that can reduce the transmission of sensations from the tooth’s surface to the nerve. Because they generally require repeated use, you may not notice a difference after brushing just once or twice.
Good brushing habits matter, too. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can contribute to wear around the teeth and gums. Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily.
Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, your dentist may recommend other treatments. Options can include fluoride treatments, bonding, a new filling or crown, treatment for gum recession, or, in more serious cases involving the tooth’s pulp, root canal treatment.
When Should I See a Dentist About Cold Sensitivity?
Schedule a dental visit if sensitivity is new, keeps returning, is getting worse, or seems to come from one particular tooth.
You should also have the area evaluated if cold sensitivity occurs along with pain when biting, a visible crack or damaged filling, swelling, persistent toothache, or pain that lingers after the cold food or drink is gone.
Rather than simply treating the sensitivity, a dental exam can help determine why your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold. Once your dentist identifies the cause, they can recommend the right treatment and help you get back to enjoying your favorite foods and drinks comfortably.
If cold drinks make you wince, the team at 19th Ave Dental Care can help identify what’s behind your sensitivity. Contact our Phoenix dental office to schedule an appointment.