Tooth sensitivity to cold
Why it happens and what you can do to relieve sensitivity
Have you ever walked out of the house, breathed in cold air and felt a quick and sharp pain in a specific tooth? Or drink cold water and have that unexpected “tingle” that makes you stop for a second?
If so, you are not alone. Tooth sensitivity to cold is one of the most common complaints in oral health and, although it is frequent, should not be ignored.
In this article we explain why cold causes pain in the teeth, what may be causing this sensitivity and what you can do to relieve it.
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Do the teeth freeze and become sensitive?
Os dentes não são estruturas totalmente sólidas e “mortas”, como muitas vezes se pensa. No interior, existe uma camada chamada dentina, que contém milhares de microcanais ligados ao nervo dentário.
When this dentin is exposed, the cold acts as a direct stimulus on the nerve, causing pain in the teeth with cold (dentinal hypersensitivity).
The teeth do not freeze, but notice the difference in temperature through tooth sensitivity.
This is especially true when there are:
- Gingival retraction, which leaves the tooth root uncovered.
- Enamel wear, the protective layer of the tooth.
- Small changes in the tooth surface, invisible to the naked eye.
This is how the cold, when coming into contact with these more sensitive areas (whether through air, cold drinks or even breathing), causes a quick reaction inside the tooth, felt as a short, intense and localized pain.
How is tooth sensitivity to cold manifested?
The sensitivity to cold has very own characteristics, such as those listed below and that occur normally:
- Appears as a quick sting, which disappears as soon as the stimulus ends
- It happens in one tooth or a specific area, not the entire mouth
- can arise when
- breathe cold air
- drink cold water
- consume cold food
- It is not a continuous nor pulsating pain
This type of pain is different from pain associated with infection or deep inflammation. However, this does not mean that it should be devalued.
What can aggravate tooth sensitivity?
There are daily habits that, often without realizing it, contribute to aggravate the tooth sensitivity to cold.
The most common are:
- Brushing too hard, especially near the gums
- Use of hard bristle brushes
- Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as refrigerants or citrus
- Failures in oral hygiene, which favor gingival problems
- Dry mouth, especially when you breathe more through the mouth
Over time, these factors accelerate enamel wear and gingival retraction, leaving the teeth more vulnerable to thermal stimuli.
How to relieve tooth sensitivity to cold?
The good news is that, in most cases, tooth sensitivity can be controlled with simple and effective measures. Therefore, do not despair and read these tips to know what to do with the tooth that hurts from the cold.
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These pastes help to reduce the transmission of stimulus to the nerve, being important when used continuously and correctly.
Brushing with gentle movements and a suitable brush protects the enamel and gums, preventing the aggravation of sensitivity.
Reducing the consumption of very acidic or extremely cold foods helps protect teeth, especially when sensitivity is already present.
Even in periods when you do not feel well or are constipated, oral hygiene should not be neglected, as we have seen here. The accumulation of plaque aggravates gum problems and, indirectly, sensitivity.
When should you go to the dentist?
Although tooth sensitivity to cold is common, there are situations in which it should be assessed at a dental appointment when:
- Sensitivity increases over time.
- Começa a durar mais do que alguns segundos.
- Spontaneous pain arises, without stimulus.
- It is associated with gingival bleeding or persistent discomfort.
At this point, an oral hygiene consultation and clinical evaluation allows you to identify the exact cause of sensitivity and prevent more complex problems in the future.
Feeling pain in the teeth in the cold is not something "normal" or inevitable!
Most often, it is a sign that the natural protection of the tooth has been compromised.
With proper information, good oral hygiene habits and professional follow-up, it is possible to reduce sensitivity, protect the teeth and regain the comfort we need so much.
If you feel you have cold-sensitive teeth, a timely assessment can make all the difference. And look that we do not only talk about pain relief, but in the long-term preservation of your oral health.
Contact us to assess your case.
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