Do you avoid cold water? Use warm water to brush your teeth? Do you use a straw whenever possible? Do you avoid regular hygiene visits because your teeth can’t handle the zing? Let’s examine why teeth are sensitive to cold.
The teeth are covered with enamel which provides really good protection from cold sensitivity and the roots are covered by the gums, when the root surface is exposed, however, it’s a different story. The roots of teeth are a continuation of the dentin portion of the teeth. The dentin contains tiny microscopic tubules that communicate with the nerve of the tooth. These tubules are filled with fluid and transmit sensation from the nerve. If these tubes are uncovered and constantly irritated, sensitivity can occur
What can irritate or unplug the dentinal tubules?
Carbonated drinks and Energy drinks have a really low pH, which means they are very acidic, (did you ever clean a penny by dropping it in a glass of Coke?). It is a powerful enough acid that it will not only clean out the dentinal tubules, but it will eat your enamel away.
Tartar Control and Whitening Toothpastes use abrasives for their effects and this can lead to irritation of the tubules.
Hard Toothbrushes as well as hard toothbrushing will slowly wear away the root surface.
Tooth Clenching causes micro-movement of the teeth, which can lead to irritation of the root surface.
Bleaching or whitening the teeth involves placing peroxide on the teeth to whiten them, and this can clean out the tubules and cause brief sensitivity, that usually resolves itself by limiting the time the bleach is used - think 30 minutes compared to 3 hours.
Periodontal Therapy involves cleaning of the tooth roots which often involves removal of a layer of the tooth root along with the tartar or calculus, so oftentimes following perio therapy the teeth will be sensitive.
In our next post we’ll discuss ways to help eliminate tooth sensitivity.