Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Or Drink Cold Things?

Ice Cream

Find out why!

One of the worst types of pain imaginable is tooth pain. Sometimes, a toothache is unavoidable, but what if the pain only occurs when you drink a cold beverage or eat something frozen—like ice cream? That is almost worse than regular pain because you feel like this pain is your fault. It is not! The pain in your teeth is real, but what causes it? Here is what you need to know about tooth pain that is caused or made worse by cold beverages or food.

Teeth that hurt when you eat freezing food are referred to as sensitive. In fact, occasionally hot foods may cause pain too. There are several different things that can be at the “root” of the problem. Some of these causes are:

  • Part of the root structure of your tooth may be exposed. This can make your teeth extremely sensitive, and this is an issue that should be dealt with right away.
  • Tooth grinding can also make your teeth fragile and in risk of sensitivity.
  • Using whitening toothpastes too often can be damaging to your teeth. Talk to your dentist to find out if the paste you are using is a good option.
  • A diet high in acidic beverages makes for teeth that are likely to have more dentin exposed and more sensitivity.
  • Harsh brushing is a surprising cause of tooth sensitivity. It wears away at the gum tissue and the enamel layer of the tooth as well.

What to Do About Tooth Sensitivity?

You may be able to avoid some issues by drinking through a straw, or using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, but these are only temporary fixes. If the problem is severe, you need to contact your dentist. One solution that may help many patients is bonding. This involves painting a thin coating of varnish on your teeth—essentially boosting the enamel layer. Talk to your dentist to find out if this may be the right solution for you.

There’s no need to suffer with tooth sensitivity by yourself! If you would like to learn more about your tooth pain or you need some help getting it under control, call or contact Dr. Jon D. Smith Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry today. We would love to help you get back to a pain-free life so that you can enjoy your favorite beverages and cold treats with no worry about aches and pains.