Brrr! The Dental Connection!

Is it cold outside yet?  Seems like the Christmas season brings the cold weather with it!  What better time to talk about teeth that are sensitive to cold. Many patients at Thomas Family Dentistry report sensitivity to different things but cold sensitivity is one of those that is sometimes hard to pinpoint.  Below are some probable causes that can cause sensitivity to cold.

• Brushing too hard or with too much pressure, which removes gum tissue and can cause gum recession
• Aging
• Using a hard tooth brush instead of a soft one
• Poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque build-up around the teeth and gums.  This plaque hardens into tartar and the bacteria that live in the plaque can cause gum disease and gum recession
• If you have exposed roots, they contain small pores or tubules, which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth.  Pain, pressure and cold stimuli can travel down the tubules and trigger nerve causing pain and discomfort
• Tooth whitening procedures or using teeth whitening toothpastes are great for the look of teeth, but can be uncomfortable and contribute to cold sensitivity
• Hypersensitivity
• Cracked teeth
• Grinding and Clenching Teeth
• Overuse of mouthwashes can damage dentin and can cause dentin sensitivity
• Enamel erosion by acidic foods
• Root surface sensitivity, which can occur as a natural side effect to dental treatment
• People with sensitivities to sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch also usually have teeth sensitivities
• Dehydration due to diuretics like alcoholic beverages and caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and Mountain Dew

Call our office at 918-455-0123 if you have any sensitivities that need attention.  Our dental team are trained to address your sensitivity concerns!

God Bless,
DRT