Why does my tooth hurt when I drink something cold?
Your teeth play a significant role in your overall health, and experiencing pain could signal an underlying concern. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is a clear indication of oral health issues that require your attention. It’s crucial to seek professional help to address any dental problems promptly. It is positive to note that by seeking out the correct dental or endodontic specialist, one can attain alleviation from the discomfort.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Below are several typical triggers of temperature sensitivity and dental discomfort.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to the gradual erosion of tooth enamel which is a valuable protective layer. The erosion of enamel over time may possibly expose the delicate roots of the tooth and cause cracks to form.
In the event of teeth grinding, a mouthguard may be advised or prescribed by your dentist to be worn while sleeping in order to reduce any future harm.
Receding Gums
Gums can recede due to gum disease or inflammation, which results in the exposure of sensitive roots. This occurs when bacteria cause inflammation in the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth as it progresses. As a result, the roots become exposed and lead to pain and sensitivity.
During the initial stages of gum disease, regular brushing and flossing can aid in mitigating inflammation, pain, and sensitivity. However, if you develop advanced gum disease, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from a dentist or endodontist.
Cracks or Fractures in a Tooth
The exposure of the pulp due to a cracked or fractured tooth often causes discomfort and sensitivity primarily because it contains sensitive nerves.
Tooth Decay
Dental caries can lead to the formation of cavities or pits in the teeth, which may subsequently expose underlying nerves.
It is imperative to maintain consistency with your routine dental checkups and cleanings as a preventive measure against tooth decay. Timely detection and filling of cavities by your dentist can help avert or alleviate tooth sensitivity stemming from those cavities.
Dental Abscess
Neglecting to treat a bacterial infection caused by a cavity or dental trauma can trigger the development of an abscess, which manifests as a pocket of pus.
Prevention holds the key to effective abscess treatment. In case you have already developed an abscess, opting for a root canal could be your best bet instead of tooth extraction. To determine the suitable course of action and learn about different treatment possibilities, it is important to consult with an experienced dentist who can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Loss of Tooth Enamel
The outermost layer of your teeth that serves as a protective shield is referred to as tooth enamel. This thin and hard layer safeguards your teeth, however, due to injuries or other factors, it can deteriorate or erode over time. The loss of this vital protective element often exposes nerve endings, leading to oral discomfort and sensitivity.
Potential causes of deterioration to tooth enamel include the vigorous brushing of teeth, utilizing abrasive substances when cleaning teeth, excessive teeth whitening practices, and traumatic dental incidents.
The sensation of tooth pain upon consuming cold or hot beverages can be attributed to several underlying causes. A discernible pattern surfaces when the sensitive nerves in the dental pulp become exposed due to root exposure, cavity, enamel loss, or tooth crack.
Contact a Dentist
Experiencing heightened sensitivity towards extreme temperatures, particularly hot or cold, serves as a sign indicating the need for dental attention. Discomfort or pain might be felt when consuming hot or cold food or drinks. It’s worth noting that tooth sensitivity could be a temporary issue. In case the issue persists for an extended period of three to four days, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation from your dentist to assess the root cause and extent of the problem.