Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?

Sensitivity often comes from receding gums or worn enamel that leave the dentine exposed. It can also point to a cavity or a crack: an examination identifies the cause.

Everyday care and prevention

Beneath the enamel lies the dentine, crossed by tiny channels connected to the nerve. When it is exposed, cold, sweet or acidic substances reach the nerve more easily and cause a sharp, brief pain.

The most frequent causes are receding gums that expose the root, brushing too hard, enamel wear linked to acidic drinks or tooth grinding, and sometimes recent whitening.

A toothpaste for sensitive teeth, used regularly, often brings relief after a few weeks. A soft brush and gentle brushing, without scrubbing from side to side, also help.

Sensitivity located on a single tooth, or that lasts a long time after contact with cold, may reveal a cavity, a crack or inflammation of the nerve. In that case, an examination is needed to identify the cause and propose the appropriate treatment.

This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.

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