If a tooth hurts with every bite of ice cream or sip of a cold drink, it is not something you should ignore.
Increased tooth sensitivity is not unusual. We see it more often in the summer, especially after ice cream, iced drinks, or acidic beverages. It is not merely a short-term discomfort. It can signal damaged tooth enamel, exposed tooth necks, or receding gums, which may also be linked to periodontal disease.
What causes tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can have several causes. It most often occurs when tooth enamel is damaged or dentin is exposed. Exposed tooth necks, tooth decay, an incorrect brushing technique, or a toothbrush that is too hard can also cause it.
Exposed dentin
Dentin is the layer of a tooth beneath the enamel. Under normal circumstances, it is protected by enamel and gums. When enamel wears down or gums recede, dentin becomes exposed. The tooth is no longer sufficiently protected and can react more strongly to cold, heat, sweet, or acidic stimuli.
Brushing too hard, using a hard toothbrush, grinding your teeth, or gum disease can contribute to exposed dentin.
Tooth decay
Sensitivity can also be one of the first signs of tooth decay. At first, pain appears mainly with cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. If decay is left untreated, it can deepen and cause more intense pain or inflammation of the dental nerve. If only one specific tooth hurts or the sensitivity does not go away, book a dental examination.
Pay attention to what you eat and drink
We enjoy ice cream, iced drinks, and refreshing lemonades far more often in summer. That is why tooth sensitivity can become more noticeable.
Sugary drinks and sweets can also make sensitivity worse. Sugar supports the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids. These gradually damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Acidic drinks weaken tooth enamel
Lemonades, fruit juices, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks contain acids that can gradually weaken tooth enamel. After consuming them, enamel is temporarily softer and more susceptible to damage. Rinse your mouth with plain water after an acidic drink and wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
How to ease tooth sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, try following these recommendations
- use toothpaste for sensitive teeth,
- use a soft toothbrush,
- brush gently,
- limit sugary and acidic drinks,
- drink plain water after an acidic drink,
- remember regular preventive check-ups and dental hygiene appointments.
When to visit a dentist
If your teeth hurt only occasionally after ice cream or a very cold drink, it may not be serious. However, if the pain keeps returning, your teeth are sensitive with every cold or sweet food, or one specific tooth hurts, it is advisable to book an examination. Do not postpone a visit to a dental clinic if swelling or severe pain appears.
Many people consider tooth sensitivity a normal part of life. The truth is that a healthy tooth should not hurt with every bite of ice cream or sip of a cold drink. Sensitivity can be the first sign of a problem that is best addressed as soon as possible.
Dental clinic at Polyclinic Púpava
Tooth sensitivity does not have to be just an inconvenience connected with summer. It can often point to a problem that should be addressed early. A timely examination by a dentist helps identify the cause and propose suitable treatment before the problem worsens.
