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.

What Whitening Treatments Are Available?

Before and After Whitening

Find out how you can whiten your smile

A beautiful smile featuring shiny white teeth leaves a great impression. If your teeth are not quite as bright as you’d like, you can elect to receive whitening treatment that will ensure that winning smile, whether you’re heading for the board room, your class reunion, or the opening of a new cultural facility, or simply enjoy the look of vibrant white teeth.

Substances such as wine, coffee, tea and other beverages and foods can quietly leave cumulative stains on your teeth over time, detracting from your overall appearance and the impression that you make on others.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

You can get back the vibrant smile you once had through tooth whitening. Whether you choose to do tooth whitening on your own or have your dentist perform a whitening procedure, you’ll be surprised at how much difference whiter teeth can make.

Two primary teeth whitening procedures are available:

  • At-home whitening is a home bleaching system that you can do at your leisure with minimum difficulty.
  • In-office whitening produces instant results. The ZOOM system uses a whitening solution that is activated via a special light. With this procedure, you’ll have teeth that are several shades whiter before you even walk out of the dentist’s office.

Bonding and Veneers

When you undergo teeth whitening, you can also look to additional procedures that can help blend in tooth color so it looks natural across your smile:

  • Bonding involves carefully placing resin on teeth that are discolored or have minor gaps and cracks. The tooth-colored material is then shaped and polished to ensure that it blends in well with the other teeth.
  • Veneers are thin strips of porcelain placed over teeth to cover chips and stains that cannot be repaired. This material can adjust tooth shape and fix minor alignment wishes, as well as brighten teeth.

Great Smile, Great Teeth

No great smile is complete without great teeth. A winning smile with clean, healthy teeth can be a major asset in business and social situations. That smile comes from in part from good dental habits, and is polished off with attractive white teeth.

When you decide it’s time to upgrade your smile to bright and beautiful, check with your local dentist to discover what cosmetic dentistry method is the best way for you to get whiter teeth.