Is it true that frequent cold drinking can cause teeth to become more sensitive?

Some people believe that consuming cold drinks can cause teeth to become more sensitive. This is because, after drinking, aching sensations often appear and cause discomfort in the tooth area.

However, is this true? Let's find out more about the causes of sensitive teeth and tips for dealing with them in the right way.

Knowing the factors that cause sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth is a pain or pain that occurs temporarily when you do certain activities, such as consuming hot or cold food or drinks, or when brushing your teeth. The condition of sensitive teeth can certainly interfere with your activities if pain occurs frequently.

Causes of sensitive teeth

Teeth can become sensitive if part of the dentine is exposed, so that the tubules (small cavities) in the dentin that connect to the pulp chamber will affect the nerve vessels in it.

The exposed part of the dentin can be caused by the thinning of the enamel layer (the outer and protective layer of the tooth). This depletion can be triggered by consumption of sweet, sour and soft drinks or foods. Frequent biting of ice cubes and brushing your teeth too hard can also cause enamel thinning.

Apart from thinning tooth enamel or enamel, the following can also cause sensitive teeth:

Tooth condition

Cavities or broken teeth can open up the dentin layer (the layer underneath tooth enamel or enamel), which can lead to sensitive teeth.

Gums that are drooping /Gum Recession

Receding gums or gingival recession can also expose the dentin layer. Conditions like this can make the roots of the teeth visible and unprotected by enamel, leading to sensitive teeth.

Dental procedures

Some dental procedures such as dental fillings and bleaching or teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity. However, tooth sensitivity that occurs as a result of medical procedures is only temporary, and will disappear within a few days.

Is it true that frequently consuming cold drinks is the cause of tooth sensitivity?

You need to know that the habit of drinking cold is not the cause of teeth becoming more sensitive. However, the exposed dentin condition makes your teeth ache when you drink coldly.

In addition to cold drinks, there are several drinks that often trigger toothache or sensitivity. For example, drinks that are too hot, drinks that are too acidic, and soft drinks.

Therefore, if you experience sensitive teeth, immediately find out the cause, how to deal with, and deal with sensitive teeth so that you feel comfortable in carrying out daily activities.

Facing and dealing with sensitive teeth

Patients with sensitive teeth often feel afraid to enjoy cold food or drinks due to the aftertaste. No need to worry, the following ways are considered to be able to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.

Checking the condition of sensitive teeth to the dentist

The dentist will examine the cause of your sensitive teeth. For example, by identifying cavities, drooping gums, or other causes. Further action taken will adjust to the existing problem or cause.

If the cause of sensitive teeth is due to an open part of the dentin, usually the dentist will perform closure or filling of the exposed part of the dentin. Therefore, it is important for you to check the condition of your teeth to the dentist regularly.

Using sensitive toothpaste

Patients with sensitive teeth should use sensitive toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Sensitive toothpaste has a special ingredient that is able to cover the dentine tubules (microscopic holes in the dentin layer) so as to protect and reduce the sensation of aching that appears.

One of the sensitive toothpaste that you can use is toothpaste with sodium content calcium phosphosilicate which is able to form the mineral layer of teeth up to 1.5 times stronger than the natural layer of dentin.

This content can also reduce hypersensitivity (excessive pain) in the teeth and remove germs and help clean plaque that sticks to the teeth.

Pay attention to how to brush your teeth

You also need to pay close attention to the way you brush your teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth gently and slowly from gum to tooth. Don't brush your teeth too hard, as this is at risk of damaging the gums.

Also, use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles. Also make sure you have held the toothbrush with three fingers to reduce brushing pressure that can affect your gums.

Is it possible for sensitive teeth to be cured?

Generally, sensitive teeth can be cured or reduced by symptoms. If sensitive toothpaste or a special gel for sensitive teeth is considered inadequate to reduce pain / sensitivity in your teeth, the dentist may take further action.

The American Dental Association recommends several ways that dentists can treat sensitive teeth, such as:

Filling, bonding or inlay to repair damage to areas of the tooth that cause sensitivity.
If the gum tissue has disappeared from the roots (gum recession), the dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to cover the roots and protect the tooth so that it can reduce tooth sensitivity.
In the case of sensitive teeth that are very severe and cannot be treated with the methods above, the dentist may recommend endodontic (root canal treatment) to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.

Before doing the actions above, the dentist will certainly identify the cause of your sensitive teeth first. Therefore, for more appropriate action, you should consult your dentist first regarding further actions that can be taken.

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