Ice cream, popsicles and iced drinks are popular summer treats. Not only are they delicious, they can help cool you off on a hot day. But if you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of a brain freeze or sensitive teeth, you know that enjoying them is not always simple! Let’s talk about cold treats and tooth sensitivity and what you can do to enjoy them without the pain!
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Many things can cause tooth sensitivity. Sometimes it is due to a cavity or tooth decay, which can allow the cold to penetrate the surface and affect the nerves on the inside of the tooth. Oftentimes, though, the cause doesn’t require repair and can be mitigated in other ways. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by gum erosion, jaw clenching, uneven tooth surfaces or neglected oral hygiene.
What Can I Do About It?
Cold treats and tooth sensitivity often go hand in hand, but we know you don’t want to miss out on your favorite summer treats! So it’s important to find out what you can do. First, it’s important to see a dentist to uncover the cause of your tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can rule out more serious causes such as cavities or gum disease and may be able to pinpoint exactly what’s aggravating the nerves and fix it, such as by filing down any uneven surfaces on your back teeth.
Once your dentist has diagnosed the cause of your dental sensitivity, they can help you with knowing how to lessen the effects. They may suggest a specialty toothpaste formulated to treat sensitive teeth or, they may apply a fluoride treatment to help remineralize and protect your teeth. Sometimes it’s as simple as improving your daily flossing routine to help make your gums healthier and less tender.
Are Cold Foods or Drinks Harming My Teeth?
Discomfort is a signal from the nerves to the brain that something is wrong and needs attention. While cold treats and tooth sensitivity can generate a concerning amount of irritation, it doesn’t usually mean that the food or drink is causing any harm to your teeth. It is typically a sign that something in your mouth already needed attention and care before that moment and the sudden cold temperature is simply triggering your nerves to tell you that.
Why Regular Care is So Important
This is precisely why regular routine dental care is so important, both at home with daily brushing and flossing, and in the dentist’s office with professional cleanings, exams and x-rays. It can be easy for cavities or gum disease to begin unnoticed and develop into something more serious, but paying regular attention to your teeth and gums and getting a regular exam with x-rays can go a long way towards catching issues early and preventing them from turning into painful problems.
Call our Gilbert Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.