Why do cold and hot food increase tooth sensitivity symptoms?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when you feel sharp pain while eating or drinking hot, cold, sour, or sweet items. The pain can vary from mild to severe and may indicate underlying oral health issues. People with sensitive teeth often experience painful reactions to cold and hot stimuli due to the exposure of the dentin layer beneath the enamel. The dentin contains small channels or tubules leading to the nerve centers of your teeth. Thus, when consuming hot or cold food items, these sensations travel through the channels to the nerves, causing pain. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, including using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, is beneficial. Also, consulting a dentist for such sharp pains is important to address potential underlying causes and prevent tooth sensitivity symptoms from worsening.

Causes of tooth sensitivity:

• Brushing vigorously: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the enamel, the tooth’s protective outer layer. This layer shields the inner sensitive areas of the tooth. Once the enamel wears away, the underlying dentin is exposed. This dentin has small tubules connecting directly to the tooth’s nerve center, which can trigger sensitivity when exposed to external stimuli. To avoid enamel erosion, it’s advised to brush softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Gum recession: Gum recession is the process where the gum tissue shrinks or pulls away from the teeth, exposing the root surface. Exposed roots lack enamel, which is hard and protective. Instead, they are covered by cementum, which is softer and more susceptible to damage. Cementum exposure can lead to increased tooth sensitivity due to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.

• Chipped tooth: A chipped or broken tooth can compromise the tooth’s protective layers. As a result, bacteria can enter and reach the inner layers of the tooth, which can cause inflammation and sensitivity.

• Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the clenching or grinding of teeth, often unconsciously. This habit can lead to the wearing down of the enamel over time. Continuous grinding puts pressure on the teeth, which can result in enamel erosion, increased tooth sensitivity, and other dental problems.

Toothpaste for sensitivity:

Explore our specially formulated toothpastes.  SENSODENT-K provides swift relief from tooth sensitivity using Potassium Nitrate. SENSODENT KF has Potassium Nitrate and Fluoride. Potassium Nitrate calms nerves impacted by temperature fluctuations, and Fluoride strengthens teeth, creating a protective barrier over vulnerable areas and protecting against cavities.