Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold with Dental Treatment

Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold is often a sign of dental damage and should not be ignored. A dentist can identify the cause of tooth sensitivity and administer treatment to protect your oral health. Restorative dentistry treatments can help relieve tooth sensitivity caused by dental damage while also enhancing the smile's appearance.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, it's important to undergo a dental exam to determine the cause and course of treatment. To learn more about your treatment options for tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, schedule a consultation with Fountain Valley, CA dentist Andrew G. Mortensen.

Dental Damage and Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold can occur in healthy teeth, like when teeth whitening products are overused, but more commonly it is a sign of dental damage or other oral health problem. Some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity to hot and cold include:

• Tooth decay
• Cracks within the outer enamel layer of the teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Enamel erosion from acid or brushing too aggressively
• Gum recession
• Exposure of the inner dentin layer of the teeth

Dental Treatments to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity

Treating tooth sensitivity begins with determining the cause through a complete dental examination. Once a cause is identified, a treatment plan may be determined and may include one or more of the following:

• Tooth-colored dental fillings: Tooth sensitivity caused by tooth decay may be alleviated with tooth-colored dental fillings.
• Dental bonding: Tooth sensitivity caused by minor enamel erosion may be repaired with dental bonding treatment.
• Porcelain crowns: Cracks, chips, tooth decay, or enamel erosion may be treated with porcelain crowns for relief from tooth sensitivity and restored oral health.
• Gum tissue graft: Those who experience tooth sensitivity as a result of gum recession may benefit from a gum tissue graft to restore the gum line.

Tips to Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

In addition to seeking dental treatment, tooth sensitivity may be further relieved by taking the following steps:

• Avoid extremes in the temperature of foods: Eating something very hot and immediately consuming something cold, like eating a hot soup and then drinking ice water, can trigger tooth sensitivity. Avoid going from extremes when eating and drinking. Sticking to lukewarm foods and drinks can also help prevent tooth sensitivity.
• Use a sensitive formula toothpaste: Sensitive formula toothpastes are available over-the-counter and can greatly reduce tooth sensitivity when used on a regular basis.
• Limit the use of teeth whitening products: Teeth whitening products can remove minerals from the enamel. When used too frequently, these minerals cannot be replaced fast enough, often causing tooth sensitivity. Limiting teeth whitening can help prevent tooth sensitivity.
• Avoid aggressively brushing the teeth: Brushing the teeth with too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. Prevent such damage to the enamel by using light pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning the teeth.
• Limit acidic foods and drinks: Reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity caused by acid erosion by limiting the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, tomato sauce, and citrus.

Find out Which Treatment Is Right for You

Don't let tooth sensitivity stop you from enjoying your favorite foods. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mortensen to find out which treatment is right for you.