Tooth Sensitivity: Why Your Teeth Hurt With Cold and What Helps

Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp pain triggered by cold, heat, sweet or acidic foods, caused when the dentine beneath the enamel becomes exposed through enamel wear or gum recession. In most cases it can be managed with a sensitivity toothpaste, gentler brushing and, where needed, treatment from a dentist.

Dentine contains microscopic tubules that lead towards the nerve. When these are exposed, stimuli reach the nerve more easily and cause a brief pain. A similar twinge, however, can also signal problems that need treatment, such as decay or a cracked tooth.

Common causes of sensitive teeth

Sensitivity often has more than one contributing factor:

• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
• Gum recession exposing the root surface.
• Enamel erosion from frequent acidic food and drinks or from acid reflux.
• Clenching or grinding the teeth at night (bruxism).
• Decay, chipped teeth or worn fillings.
• Temporary sensitivity after whitening, a scale and polish or a new filling.

What you can do at home

For mild to moderate sensitivity, a few changes to your daily routine can bring noticeable relief.

• Use a sensitivity toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride or arginine regularly for at least a few weeks.
• Spit out after brushing rather than rinsing.
• Switch to a soft-bristled brush and use gentle circular movements.
• Avoid frequent acidic snacks and drinks between meals, and wait 30 to 60 minutes after them before brushing.
• Drinking acidic drinks through a straw can reduce contact with your teeth.
• If you clench or grind your teeth, mention it to your dentist.

Treatment options from your dentist

If home care is not enough, your dentist can recommend treatment based on the cause. The first step is an examination to check for decay, cracks or gum problems.

Fluoride varnish or desensitising agents can be applied to exposed root surfaces. Where there is significant wear or loss of tooth structure at the gumline, these areas can be covered with composite bonding. For advanced gum recession, gum treatment may be discussed. A custom-made night guard can help protect enamel in people who grind. If sensitivity comes from deep decay or inflammation reaching the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed.

When is sensitivity a sign of something more serious?

Typical sensitivity fades within seconds once the trigger is removed. Pain that lingers, starts on its own, wakes you at night, gets worse when you bite or is concentrated in one tooth may point to a different problem.

These signs can appear with decay, a cracked tooth or nerve inflammation, and early treatment is usually simpler. If your sensitivity has not improved after a few weeks of home care, you can book an examination with Dr. Merve Hakan to find out the cause.

Sensitivity after teeth whitening

Temporary sensitivity after whitening is common and usually settles on its own fairly quickly. When whitening is carried out under a dentist's supervision, desensitising products can be used before and after treatment to keep discomfort to a minimum.

If you have had sensitivity before, tell your dentist ahead of whitening so the most suitable approach can be chosen.