What Causes Tooth Sensitivity To Temperature

Sometimes when biting into a spoonful of ice cream or drinking a cup of hot coffee, you can feel a sharp sensation in one or more of your teeth. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is fairly common for adults and teenagers and can indicate signs of dental decay. In this article, we will go over the causes and potential solutions for cold/hot sensitivity in teeth. If you notice sensitivity in your teeth, you should not hesitate from making a dental appointment. A quick visit with a dentist can help address any issues. 

How Enamel Erosion Leads To Cold/Hot Sensitivity

A tooth is made of many different parts. The outermost layer of our teeth is the enamel. Our enamel does not have nerves so we rarely feel sensations on the surface of our teeth. However, as we age our enamel can wear away due to acidic and sugary foods/beverages. Proper oral care and limiting those foods and beverages can help protect our enamel for a longer period of time. Enamel doesn’t regenerate, so once it is gone, it is gone. This exposes the dentin and the nerves of your teeth to the surface. Because of this, hot or cold foods can hurt. This is why if you notice sensitivity to temperature you should make sure to see a dentist and take extra care to brush and floss. 

How To Prevent Sensitivity in Your Teeth

Brush Two Times Per Day

Brushing your teeth twice per day can remove bacteria and plaque that erodes your enamel. Certain toothpastes are designed to help with sensitive teeth.

Wait 1 Hour Before Brushing

Immediately after eating your enamel is at its softest. Wait a full hour between dinner before brushing your teeth to prevent damaging your enamel layer.

Go To The Dentist

Your dentist can provide special procedures like dental sealants and fluoride treatments that improve your teeth's resistance to bacteria and plaque.

How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

Unfortunately the outside of our teeth do not have nerves that alert us to decay. Usually by the time you begin to feel signs of the decay the decay has already progressed significantly. Toothaches, sensitivity and similar symptoms are usually signs that you already have a cavity. This is why dentists recommend going twice per year. Quick visits to the dentist can help catch the early signs of decay before even you notice them. At these early stages, a cavity can be reversed. 

Family Dentist in Lewiston Maine

If you have any questions about dental services like dental sealants or fluoride treatments, we would be happy to help answer your questions. If you live in Lewiston Maine or the surrounding towns, we would be happy to provide you with our family dental services. Give our office a call or use our online forms to get in contact with us and set up an appointment.