Cold drinks, frozen treats, and time in the pool are all part of a great summer experience, but they can also make your teeth feel sensitive suddenly. Biting into an ice cream should be a joy, not leave you gasping in pain.
A little twinge might not be much to worry about, but sometimes it’s a sign of something more serious. It depends on where you feel it, how long it lasts, and if your tooth sensitivity seems to be getting worse.
Experiencing pain when you eat or drink cold summer treats? It could be a sign of a dental issue. Make an appointment with Full Heart Dentistry to get it checked out!
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Ice Cream or Other Cold Foods?
Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Beneath the enamel is dentin, which is more sensitive because it contains tiny pathways that lead toward the nerve. When enamel wears down or the gums recede, cold temperatures can reach that inner layer more easily.
That’s why your teeth may start to react with sensitivity when you have ice cream, iced coffee, or even a sip of cold water.
A quick zing of pain that disappears as soon as the cold is gone may be a sign of mild enamel wear. If the pain lingers, throbs, or keeps returning, it definitely needs the attention of a dentist.
And just a reminder: chewing ice can make sensitivity worse by placing extra pressure on your enamel. Letting it melt in your drink is safer than crunching it.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Cold All of a Sudden?
If your teeth seemed fine a few weeks ago and seem to be sensitive to the cold all of a sudden, it can be concerning. It might just be because the hot summer weather causes you to have colder foods and drinks more often, but it might also be due to:
- Brushing too hard
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Recently using a whitening product
- Gum recession
- Enamel wear
- A small crack or cavity
- Teeth grinding
If your teeth are suddenly sensitive for more than a few days or if the sensitivity is getting worse, you’ll want to see a dentist to identify the cause.
What Does It Mean When One Molar Is Sensitive to Cold?
If you are experiencing sensitivity in several teeth at once, it’s more likely to be due to enamel wear, whitening products, or gum recession. But if you are experiencing cold sensitivity in a single molar, it’s more likely to be an issue with the tooth itself.
Molars have deep grooves (you can feel them when you run your tongue over the top). It’s easy for plaque and food particles to collect there. A cavity can start in one of those grooves or between two back teeth, eventually causing sensitivity. It may also be due to a small crack or a worn filling, especially if the tooth hurts when you bite down.
You don’t have to determine the cause yourself, though. Our dental team can examine your teeth and, if needed, take X-rays to determine what’s happening and then create a plan to help you fix it.
Can Dehydration and Dry Mouth Make Teeth Feel More Sensitive?
Hot weather and outdoor activities are a recipe for dehydration, and it could be making your tooth sensitivity worse, too.
Dehydration itself doesn’t cause tooth sensitivity, but a dry mouth can reduce some of your teeth’s natural protection. Saliva helps wash away food particles and protects your enamel, and you naturally produce less saliva when you aren’t hydrating properly.
Drink water regularly on hot days. Water is great for your teeth and your body in general.
Can Swimming Pools Affect Sensitive Teeth?
Spending the day in a properly maintained pool shouldn’t hurt your teeth.
However, frequent exposure to pools or hot tubs that are overly chlorinated can gradually contribute to enamel erosion, thanks to the higher acid levels in the water.
An occasional mouthful of pool water is no reason to panic, though. Just avoid holding pool water in your mouth and rinse with fresh water once you get out.
If you are already experiencing sensitivity, though, you might notice the pain getting worse if you are a frequent swimmer.
Can Tooth Sensitivity Go Away on Its Own?
Maybe. Sometimes sensitivity is temporary, especially if it’s due to the use of whitening products. Toothpaste made for sensitive teeth may help if you use it consistently.
But if the sensitivity is caused by worn enamel, cracks, or receding gums, it won’t go away on its own. You’ll need the help of a dental professional to address the issue and stop it from becoming worse. And because tooth sensitivity can’t be diagnosed at home, you’ll need to see a dentist to find out what’s really going on inside your mouth.
While you wait for an appointment, you can use sensitivity toothpaste and limit your intake of acidic or sugary drinks.
When Should You Have Summer Tooth Sensitivity Checked?
You should make an appointment to have tooth sensitivity checked when:
- Pain lingers after the cold food or drink is gone
- The tooth reacts to both hot and cold
- It hurts when you bite or chew
- Sensitivity interrupts meals or sleep
- You notice swelling, a broken filling, or a visible crack
- At-home changes are not helping
Don’t Spend Your Summer Avoiding Tooth Sensitivity
Don’t spend the rest of your summer drinking lukewarm water or chewing only on one side of your mouth. If your teeth are suddenly sensitive to cold, or one tooth has started reacting to ice cream or sweet foods, we can help. Contact our Rochester dental team to schedule an appointment and find out what’s causing your tooth sensitivity.