Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive to Cold? A Manchester Dentist’s View

Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive to Cold? A Manchester Dentist’s View

There’s nothing more likely to stop you dead in your tracks, no matter what you’re up to, than getting sharp, immediate tooth pain after a cold drink. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wince when you see someone else casually chomping on ice, as if it were an apple.

Roughly 1 in every 3 people experience cold-induced tooth pain, with many just assuming that it’s ‘just how it is’ and there’s nothing you can do about it. As you’ll find out shortly, that’s not strictly true.

In this blog, we look at why it happens, what can be done and when it might mean something your dentist in Manchester needs to look at.

Why Are Some People’s Teeth Sensitive to Cold?

If you get a sudden shot of pain in your tooth when you sip a cold drink or taste some ice cream, it’s not necessarily a sign that you need a composite filling or a root canal in the near future. Instead, it’s usually because your tooth’s outer layer is no longer working properly.

Underneath your tooth enamel, you’ve got something called dentine, which contains tiny little channels that lead straight to the nerve. If that layer becomes exposed, coldness can trigger pain instantly.

For some, it’s a mild twinge they only notice for a second, whereas for others, it’s bad enough to make them think twice about trying anything cold. It tends to creep up gradually, and there’s a range of reasons why.

Sometimes the issue is fairly straightforward, like brushing too aggressively or grinding your teeth at night. Other times, sensitivity can point to something that needs proper dental treatment.

That’s why getting a dental check-up is a good idea if it carries on for too long. Looking after sensitive teeth can be tricky, but our blog gives you some tips on how to take good care of them.

Can a Dentist Treat Sensitive Teeth?

Yes, the good news is that you don’t have to simply sit there and put up with teeth that are sensitive to cold things. That said, you can’t do that until you know why it’s happening – something your dentist can help you with.

It’s because there’s no point treating a tooth for worn enamel, if the problem is to do with something else. Depending on the WHY, your dentist will take any number of different paths.

• Worn enamel can leave the more sensitive layer underneath exposed. In this instance, your dentist may suggest fluoride treatments or specialist toothpaste that can help strengthen what you still have.
• When tooth decay is behind the sensitivity, a filling is usually the answer. It seals off the deeper part of the tooth and stops anything getting in to aggravate it any further.
• Grinding (a.k.a. bruxism) can wear the enamel down, often without you even being aware that it’s happening. A custom night guard might be the answer, so as to give your teeth some relief.
• Receding gums can leave tooth roots exposed, which are much more sensitive than enamel. Treating the underlying gum disease is usually what brings that kind of sensitivity under control.
• Where there are exposed or worn areas on the tooth surface, composite bonding can sometimes be used to cover them over and give the tooth proper protection again.

People sometimes put up with tooth sensitivity for months because they assume it’s “just one of those things”. However, by doing something about it, and backing it up with a great dental routine, you can put that pain behind you.

Struggling With Sensitive Teeth in Manchester? Let’s Get Things Sorted

Sensitive teeth can be surprisingly frustrating to live with, especially when it starts affecting your everyday life. However, as we’ve seen, it’s often very treatable once the cause has been properly identified.

At Ringway Dental, we help patients across Manchester deal with tooth sensitivity caused by everything from grinding to decay. Once we know why it’s happening, we can get you feeling comfortable again.

So, if you’re getting pain from cold drinks or anything else, and you’d like to get a grip of things, get in touch today, and we’ll find out what’s going on.

FAQs About Sensitive Teeth

Q – Can sensitive teeth be worse at certain times of day?

A – They can be. People who grind at night often find sensitivity is at its worst first thing in the morning, especially if there’s already some wear on the teeth.

Q – Is it normal for one tooth to feel more sensitive than the others?

A – Not really. Having several adjacent teeth that feel pain with cold drinks is what would point towards simple cold sensitivity. If, however, the discomfort is coming from one specific tooth, it could be a problem with that tooth.

Q – How long does sensitivity after teeth whitening usually last?

A – For most people it settles down within a few days. Using a sensitive toothpaste during and after treatment can help take the edge off while things calm down.

Q – Can stress make tooth sensitivity worse?

A – Indirectly, yes. Stress tends to increase clenching and grinding, which wears teeth down over time and makes them more reactive as a result.

Q – Does sensitive toothpaste actually work?

A – It can do, but most types take a little time to give you noticeable results. Most sensitive toothpastes need at least a few weeks of regular use before people start feeling any better.

Q – Should I stop using whitening toothpaste if my teeth feel sensitive?

A – Yes, that’s not a bad idea, particularly if it started when you began using the toothpaste. Some can be a bit harsh on your teeth, so skipping it and using your regular tube for a day or two can help.

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