Teeth Hurt When Cold Air Hits Them

When the protective layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears down, they become highly vulnerable. High sensitivity can make you feel like your pearly whites were pierced with a tiny dagger. So, if your teeth hurt when cold air hits them, it’s surely due to the high sensitivity. The main culprit behind this level of sensitivity can be gum recession, cavities, aggressive brushing, or bruxism.

Teeth Suddenly Sensitive to Cold Air

Feeling a sudden, sharp pain in your teeth when exposed to cold air is a common sign of tooth sensitivity. Around 40 million adults in the U.S. experience this issue. It happens when the protective layers of your teeth wear down, exposing the sensitive inner part. According to Dr. Omad Chaudhry of Enhance Dental, “Sensitive teeth could be a sign of a major problem.” Seeing a dentist can help identify the cause and find the right treatment. However, some common causes include:

• Exposed Dentin: The hard enamel on your teeth protects the dentin underneath, and your gums shield the roots. If enamel wears away or gums recede, dentin becomes exposed. Since dentin has tiny pathways leading to the nerves, cold air can trigger pain.

• Cracked Teeth: Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks in your teeth, triggering sensitivity.

Factors That Cause Teeth Sensitivity

There isn’t one but multiple factors that cause teeth sensitivity. These factors include:

• Brushing Too Hard: Using too much force or a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause gums to recede.

• Gum Recession: When gums pull back, they expose the tooth’s root, which lacks enamel protection.

• Teeth Grinding: Clenching or grinding your teeth can wear down enamel and expose the nerves.

• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can weaken and erode enamel.

• Acidic Mouthwash: Using mouthwash with alcohol or harsh chemicals for a long time can make sensitivity worse.

• Whitening Products: Some whitening treatments contain chemicals that gradually wear down enamel.

• Gum Disease: Conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease can cause swollen gums and gum recession, exposing tooth roots.

• Other Causes: Swollen gums, plaque buildup, eating disorders, worn or damaged fillings, cavities, or tooth decay.

How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately?

To find immediate pain relief from sensitivity, you can try plenty of methods. “The at-home remedies provide fast but short-term relief. Therefore, a thorough exam is necessary to find the root cause and recommend the best long-term solution.” Says Dr. Omad Chaudhry.

You can consider using desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride to block pain signals. While some take up to two weeks to work, Sensodyne Rapid Relief can help in as little as three days.

How to Treat Cold Sensitive Teeth?

Cold-sensitive teeth can be treated with lifestyle changes and professional dental treatments. The first step is identifying the cause of sensitivity. Some treatments to find long-term relief include:

• Fluoride Treatment: A dentist can apply fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Prescription fluoride pastes or rinses may also be recommended for home use.

• Bonding or Veneers: Bonding agents or veneers can protect chipped or cracked teeth and reduce sensitivity. A special resin can also cover exposed dentin.

• Gum Graft: A surgical gum graft can cover and protect exposed roots if gums have receded.

• Root Canal: If sensitivity is severe due to infection or pulp damage, you will probably need a root canal

Wrapping Up

When the temperature drops, you have many options to cover yourself. However, your pearly whites have only enamel for protection against extreme temperatures. Certain factors can wear your dental enamel down to the point that it makes your teeth hurt when cold air hits them. Therefore, when it happens, consulting a dentist is your best bet against teeth sensitivity.