Why Does the Cold Hurt My Teeth?
Why Does the Cold Hurt My Teeth?
Is the cold wintry air making your teeth hurt? If so, it may be time to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Plymouth, MI. During your visit, they’ll be able to diagnose and treat the source of your discomfort so you can protect your smile for years to come.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about having sensitive teeth and why it’s best to consult with our Plymouth dentists sooner rather than later.
What’s the Most Common Cause of Tooth Sensitivity?
The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is worn enamel. Tooth enamel is what protects the inner layer of your teeth (dentin). Once the enamel wears away, there is nothing to guard from hot and cold temperatures. This is why you may experience a twinge of pain when your teeth are exposed to cold air or when sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Will Tooth Sensitivity Go Away on its Own?
Most tooth sensitivity goes away on its own. However, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists if your teeth are sensitive for more than a day or two. Depending on your circumstances, tooth sensitivity could be a sign of a larger problem that needs to be addressed by our dentists.
You may have sensitive teeth due to:
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Dental plaque buildup
- Nighttime teeth grinding
- Excessive teeth whitening
- Gum disease
If you recognize any of the above , please don’t hesitate to bring them up during your next appointment with us.
What Should I Do for Chronic Tooth Sensitivity?
It’s not uncommon for more patients to report tooth sensitivity during the winter months. However, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore tooth pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you when something is wrong.
If you experience tooth sensitivity that lasts for more than a couple of days, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible. The longer you put off getting seen by a dentist, the more time you potentially give gum disease and cavities to worsen.
Can Sensitive Teeth Indicate a Larger Problem?
Tooth sensitivity could be a sign of a larger problem. For example, one of the first symptoms of gum disease is sensitive teeth due to receding gums.
Thankfully, gingivitis can usually be reversed with a professional teeth cleaning and educating the patient about the proper way to brush and floss teeth. The same can’t be said of periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease.
Sensitivity can also be caused by a cracked tooth or cavity. If you eat a lot of sugary foods, your teeth may feel “fuzzy” or “rough” from all the plaque on your teeth. If left untreated, we may need to restore the tooth with a dental filling.
Your Next Steps
The sooner you schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, the sooner you can discover what’s causing your tooth sensitivity. Dental pain or discomfort should never be ignored, especially when a simple change may be all that’s needed to cure sensitive teeth.
During your appointment, our doctors may want to take X-rays of your smile to determine if there’s any underlying causes of tooth sensitivity. They’ll also examine your teeth and gums. With this information, they’ll be able to recommend a course of treatment to restore your oral health as soon as possible.
Book an Appointment with Plymouth Dentistry
Our dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients and will be able to determine the likely cause of your tooth sensitivity. To schedule an appointment, please call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.