Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Hot and Cold?

It’s a sip of iced coffee on a hot afternoon, and a bright zing runs through one tooth. You wince, set the cup down and chew on the other side for the rest of the day. Last month it was ice cream. Now it’s a breath of cold air.

What wears the covering away

The ADA¹ lists tooth decay (cavities), fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel and an exposed tooth root.

Cleveland Clinic² names acidic foods, aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, gum disease and recent dental work. For more on the gum side, see bleeding gums. For grinding, see grinding your teeth at night.

What helps

Desensitizing toothpaste. The ADA¹ says these contain compounds that help block sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.

A soft brush and gentle technique. Cleveland Clinic² recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique.

Fewer acidic hits. Cleveland Clinic² suggests cutting back on acidic foods like citrus.

A mouth guard, if you grind. Cleveland Clinic² lists a mouth guard for teeth grinding.

In the dentist’s chair. The ADA¹ lists fluoride gel, an in-office treatment that strengthens enamel and reduces the transmission of sensation, plus fillings, crowns, inlays or bonding to treat decay, and gum grafts or root canal therapy for severe cases. Cleveland Clinic² lists dental bonding, dentin sealants and fluoride varnish.

The ADA¹ says proper oral hygiene is central to preventing sensitive-tooth pain, and to talk with your dentist about your routine. Our article on breath that smells even after brushing covers the basics of cleaning teeth and tongue.

The play

Try this: a two-week sensitivity log

For two weeks, write down which tooth, what triggered it (cold, hot, sweet, air, brushing), how long the zing lasted and how strong it was from 1 to 10.

Switch to a soft toothbrush if you aren’t on one, and a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Brush gently.

Note the acidic foods and drinks you have in a typical day.

If it hasn’t improved after a couple of weeks, take the log to your dentist.

When to get checked

Cleveland Clinic² says to schedule an appointment if your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold, hot or sweet, and warns that untreated sensitivity can progress to infections, cavities and gum disease. The ADA¹ says to talk with your dentist about sensitivity, since the cause determines the treatment.

Book an appointment if any of these fit:

• A tooth hurts when you eat or drink hot, cold or sweet things
• You have a visible crack or a worn filling
• Your gums are red, swollen or bleeding
• Desensitizing toothpaste hasn’t helped after a few weeks

One zing is a clue, and a dentist is the one who can read it.