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When you experience a sharp pain when drinking hot or cold drinks, teeth sensitivity may be the cause. In some cases, patients who have sensitive teeth also complained that they felt pain when they inhaled cold air. Read on to find out more on why your teeth can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations and what you can do about it.

Why do your teeth hurt when consuming hot food or drinks?

When it comes to heat sensitivity, there are two common types of causes. Firstly, an individual may not like to drink hot liquids as part of his or her diet. As a result, their teeth have adjusted to that fact and will be sensitive to even a small amount of heat. Secondly, heat sensitivity might be a recent development and it is much more ominous than the former. It could indicate that the nerves of the affected teeth are sick, or getting sicker.

Whatever the reasons, you will want to check with your dentist right away to ensure that the nerves of your tooth are not dying. If you attempt to ignore any strange symptoms that are affecting your oral well-being, your decisions will eventually lead to tooth abscess and more pain.

Why do your teeth hurt when consuming cold desserts or drinks?

Even a healthy tooth can have a bad day. This issue can be caused by teeth sensitivity and it can also be a very annoying issue for patients who have recently undergone gum surgery or have gum recession. These circumstances expose the root of their tooth and its live nerve cells will then “complain” when you introduce something acidic or cold. If your experience with cold sensitivity falls on a single tooth, you may have bit on something the wrong way, you may have a leaky filling or that your bite is off.

Another cause of cold sensitivity includes deep decay, and this renders the services of a dentist right away. If you allow the pain, in response to cold, to progress to a certain point, you could get a tooth infection. When that happens, you may need to undergo endodontic therapy to save the affected tooth.

What you can do to ease the symptoms of teeth sensitivity

The golden rule is to brush daily and at least twice a day. Along with flossing, you will be able to prevent gum loss. For sensitive teeth, you may consider using desensitizing toothpaste. Continue to use this type of toothpaste for at least three to four months before reviewing its overall effectiveness. If you notice that the sensitivity still exists, you can switch to another type of toothpaste that uses a different active ingredient.

When you brush, you must make sure you clean all parts of your mouth – along the gum line and between the teeth. Dentists recommend that you brush gently to avoid sustaining deep cuts on your gums. Brushing too hard can be a cause of teeth sensitivity! An electric toothbrush is an effective tool that helps apply consistent brushing pressure and prevents your enamel from being worn away.

If these suggestions do not help alleviate your symptoms of teeth sensitivity, do not hesitate to speak with a dentist during your next dental appointment.