San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Drinking your favorite cold beverage should not cause oral pain. Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is a common concern. However, when you know the cause of your tooth sensitivity, you can address the problem quickly and return to enjoying the cold beverages you love. Our Bay Area family dentists at Glen Park Dental share on the blog today why cold drinks may cause your teeth to ache and what you can do to help reduce the sensitivity and pain.
Tooth sensitivity causes
There are multiple reasons that you may experience tooth sensitivity. Individuals with chronic oral health problems, tooth enamel damage, or a tooth injury may notice a dramatic sensitivity increase when consuming extremely cold or hot foods or beverages. However, the most common tooth sensitivity causes are receding gums and enamel erosion. Our family dentists in San Francisco explain that as your tooth root’s protection dwindles, your sensitivity to cold beverages will increase.
People who experience gum recession have an increased tooth sensitivity risk. When your gums recede, your tooth becomes sensitive to extreme temperatures. Tooth enamel erosion causes a similar effect when it wears down because the tooth’s dentin layer is exposed. Fortunately, our Oakland family dentists can sometimes restore receded gums through gum grafting. However, tooth enamel cannot be reversed, and it’s the main reason our dentists encourage excellent oral hygiene practices.
Other tooth sensitivity causes
- Consuming acidic foods or beverages – Foods like vinegar, tomatoes, alcohol, and citrus fruits are acidic and can cause tooth enamel erosion, which makes your teeth more sensitive.
- Excessive mouthwash use – Some mouthwash formulas are highly acidic. Therefore, using mouthwash too often can result in tooth sensitivity. However, some mouthwash formulas can improve tooth sensitivity when used as directed.
- Cracked or broken teeth – Cracked or broken teeth may become sensitive, especially when the underlying dentin layer or pulp is exposed.
- Forceful brushing or using the wrong tools – Brushing your teeth forcefully with a toothbrush that has hard bristles can wear down tooth enamel over time and result in increased sensitivity.
- Teeth clenching and grinding – Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can quickly wear away enamel and increase tooth injury risks. Therefore, our Marin family dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your smile.
Prevent receding gums and tooth enamel damage
There are many actions you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity from occurring. For example, our San Francisco dentists recommend limiting the consumption of soda, fruit juice, energy drinks, tea, alcohol, and coffee. When you choose to consume highly acidic foods, rinse your mouth with water so that acid doesn’t remain on your teeth. Next, ensure you brush your teeth correctly using a soft-bristled brush for two minutes twice daily and replace your toothbrush every three months or after an illness. Then, use dental floss once daily and mouthwash no more than twice a day.
Sensitive teeth treatments
Tooth sensitivity typically has people frantically searching the internet for remedies. Fortunately, you can find sensitivity-reducing toothpaste at your local grocer or pharmacy. Feel free to ask us for a recommendation. Relearning the most effective method for brushing your teeth can also help reduce sensitivity, so request a demonstration during your next dental appointment. Finally, visit our Bay Area dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. The appointments can help uncover potential problems and administer early treatment to prevent advanced conditions.
Family Dentists in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Sipping on your favorite cold beverage may cause painful sensations in your teeth or jaw when you suffer from tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, our Marin dentists offer assistance to help you get your sensitivity issue under control. If you experience pain when drinking or eating hot and cold foods, contact Glen Park Dental today to schedule an appointment so we can help you reduce the pain. Please call us at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online today.
