If drinking Pepsi or water or eating ice cream make your teeth back hurt, you likely have cold sensitive teeth. Although cold sensitive teeth are fairly common, it’s vital to understand how they differ from tooth decay or gum diseases.
Why Do Cold Sensitive Teeth Occur?
When the nerves within the tooth are exposed because of receding gums or worn tooth enamel, cold sensitive teeth arise. Some of the most common causes of this include:
Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: If you notice that your cold sensitive teeth hurt all the time, not only when you’re drinking or eating a cold food or beverage, you may be suffering from tooth decay or gum disease.
Overuse: If you brush your teeth too hard, use whitening treatments excessively, or eat and drink many foods with with acid, you may lose tooth enamel and face cold sensitive teeth as a result.
Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding may also cause cold sensitive teeth. If you grind your teeth frequently, ask your dentist or orthodontist on how you can get away from this habit and/or protect your teeth.
Teeth Cracks: You may find that tiny cracks develop as your teeth expand and contract when you are exposed to hot and cold temperatures. Since the cracks offer another pathway to the nerves, they can become sensitive to hot or cold.
Receding Gums: Receding gums occur when gums pull away from the teeth and make it easier for you to feel when something hot or cold is on the nerves of your teeth.
If you are facing cold sensitive back teeth, it’s wise to visit a dentist who can evaluate your condition and determine whether it’s the sign of something serious. In most cases, a dentist will suggest an at home remedy such as using a soft toothbrush and avoiding foods that are cold and acidic. Our Richmond, VA dental friends at River Run Dental always express the importance of addresses a sensitivity problem rather than letting it get worse.
Contact Mile High Smiles Today
Reach out to Dr. Brian Levitin at Mile High Smiles today if you have back teeth that are sensitive to cold. Call 303-232-1830 to schedule an appointment.
