Some time ago my friend Tammy, who is an avid traveller and environmentalist posted an image on Instagram that really got my attention. She shared an image of stainless steel straws that she had purchased. Which is brilliant if you’re looking to give up plastic, which we all should. But as someone who suffers from tooth sensitivity, I was curious to know more about the straws and about other options.
If you have sensitive teeth, then you’ll know how debilitating this can be. You’ll be biting into a cold dessert, and you’ll experience a stabbing pain. Or you’ll want to swap from plastic straws to a more environmentally sustainable option and you’ll immediately think of your teeth. This means that our teeth are trying to tell us something.
The Causes of Cold-Sensitive Teeth
Dentists like those from Terrace Smiles Dentistry clinic tell us that the most common type of pain is an overall reaction to something very cold. If this pain lasts only a short time, then you probably have nothing to worry about. It is only when you are experiencing persistent and long-lasting pain that you should become alarmed.
If the pain is located in a particular part of your mouth, or you can feel it in a particular tooth, then this is a sign of a problem. It may mean that your tooth has a crack, a cavity, or a filling has become degraded. It may also indicate that you have an infection in the tooth. So it’s worth asking your dentist about it before it’s too late because the cause is not just plain tooth sensitivity.
If you cannot pinpoint your tooth pain but are feeling an all-over ache, then it is likely that the problem lies in your gums. It may be possible that your gums have receded, exposing the roots of your teeth. This area of your teeth is much more sensitive, as they are not covered by the same level of protective enamel as the crowns.
Temperature Sensitivity
There are a few more reasons you may experience pain. They range from consuming very hot or cold food, such as dead or dying nerves, grinding your teeth, or using too many oral products such as mouthwash or tooth-whitening cream or powder. If you think that your pain is linked to any of these issues, then you should consult with your dentist about this.
Other medical conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease will also cause gum issues, leading to temperature-sensitive pain. Loss of tooth enamel can also lead to pain experienced from extreme temperatures. Eating or drinking acidic food is one of the leading factors in allowing tooth enamel to rot away. Risky choices include citrus fruits or juices, sports drinks, or soda.
How to Treat Cold-Sensitive Teeth
Definitely try to avoid acidic food and drink if you’re experiencing temperature tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, always follow instructions when using oral products, such as mouthwash or whiteners. There will be a limit to how much you should use. Otherwise, it will damage your teeth and lead to sensitivity and pain.
Dental veneers are a great cosmetic option that will really help both short and long term and you can get them at places like London Cosmetic Dentistry.
In terms of day to day care, always be careful when brushing teeth. You should apply gentle pressure with a soft-bristled brush. Never brush too hard. You are not scrubbing your teeth but think of it as massaging them. The toothpaste will do most of the work cleaning your teeth. The job of your toothbrush is to allow the paste to reach all areas of your teeth.
Aside from changing your brushing technique, you can also consider switching your toothpaste to a special sensitive variety. There are a few on the market, and reliable dentists will be able to advise you of their recommendations. The type of toothpaste you choose will be linked to the kinds of pain you’re experiencing.
Certainly, make sure that you don’t leave it too long. If you’ve started to experience pain from eating cold food, don’t wait until the day when you’re in complete agony to get it treated. Many of the treatments are easy to prescribe, but only if the problem is addressed early enough. Don’t delay in contacting your dentist if you’ve already started to feel pain.
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