Hot or Cold Foods Trigger Tooth Sensitivity? Common Causes and When to Seek Help
South Ken MD Team
Tooth sensitivity is a frequent dental complaint among adults in the UK, and it could be anything from a sudden jerk when having ice cream to discomfort when sipping a hot drink, or a sharp ache that lingers after consuming something sweet. Temperature sensitivity can impact everyday life without you actually being aware.
Initially, many people simply ignore the discomfort or switch to merely eating on the opposite side of their mouth, but sensitivity is virtually never random and almost always has a cause. Knowing why your teeth react to extreme temperatures, what a variety of symptoms can indicate, and when to seek a professional dental assessment is essential.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is also known as dentine hypersensitivity. It is characterised by pain or discomfort that arises after exposure to heat, cold, acidity, or sweetness. The pain or discomfort usually happens immediately and can vary from mild discomfort to a sudden, shooting pain that can last a few seconds.
How Sensitivity Works
Teeth are constructed from layers. The top layer – enamel – protects the dentine inside which has tiny channels to the nerve of the tooth. When enamel is thinning, or the gums are receding back to expose dentine, temperature changes travel through these open dentine tubules to the nerve inside the tooth, which causes sensitivity.
How Teeth are Affected by Cold or Hot Foods
1. Enamel Thinning or Erosion
Although enamel is strong, it is not indestructible. Acidic foods and drinks like fruit juices, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, wine, or energy drinks will wear down that protective coating of the enamel over time.
Signs: Yellowing of teeth, increased translucence at edges, cupped or rounded surfaces, sensitivity to cold more than heat.
2. Gum Recession
Gum recession is one of the most common reasons for temperature sensitivity. When gums are pulled back, typically due to inflammation or brushing too hard, the root surface will be exposed. Unlike enamel, the cementum covering the root of the tooth is very thin and provides little protection.
Causes: Aggressive brushing, gum disease, smoking, ageing changes, misaligned teeth.
3. Tooth Decay or Cavities
A cavity creates an opening that allows temperature changes to reach the dentine and deeper layers. In the early stages of decay, the sensitivity may be light; but as it gets worse the sensitivity can become sharper, last longer, and lead to pain.
4. Worn or Cracked Fillings
Older dental restorations have a chance of loosening, cracking or forming gaps around the edge. Gaps allow food particles or temperature to get in underneath the filling to the dentine layer.
5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching can wear down enamel faster than regular chewing. Many people grind and clamp teeth often due to stress, extended working hours, or a disturbed sleep cycle.
Signs: Micro-cracks or fractures, loose restorations, sore jaw muscles on waking, morning headaches.
6. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Sometimes a tooth can have a microscopic crack that is not visible on an X-ray. A cracked tooth will often cause sensitivity to cold and discomfort when biting down. These cracks are most common in molars due to heavy biting forces, large previous restorations, grinding, or trauma.
7. Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening can increase your sensitivity temporarily. Whitening agents temporarily increase porosity in the enamel, which can heighten sensitivity; however, the sensitivity is usually mild or short-lived.
8. Sensitivity after Dental Treatment
It is normal to experience sensitivity after sessions of fillings, dental bonding, or hygiene visits. However, sensitivity will settle within a few days to a couple of weeks. Longer sensitivity may require additional assessment.
Cold vs Heat Sensitivity
Sensitivity to cold is often characterised by exposed dentine or enamel erosion. Sensitivity to heat can indicate more serious issues such as inflammation or irritation of the pulp nerve itself. When sensitivity occurs to heat, or it lingers for more than a moment, it is vital to arrange a dental appointment without delay.
Lifestyle Choices That Make Sensitivity Worse
- Frequent Snacking: Eating or drinking every couple of hours does not allow saliva to neutralise the acids present
- High-Sugar or High-Acid Diet: Soft drinks, highly acidic citrus foods, and sugary coffee are known to generate sensitivity
- Brushing Right after Consuming Acidic Foods: After exposure to acid, the enamel becomes temporarily soft and brushing right afterwards will accentuate enamel wear
- Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing dries the oral tissues, which can increase sensitivity
- Skipping Hygiene Appointments: Accumulation of tartar and plaque lead to root exposure and gum recession
Schedule your dental hygienist appointment and get professional guidance to manage sensitivity and maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Book Hygienist AppointmentHome Care Solutions to Help Reduce Sensitivity
Use a Sensitive Toothpaste
Most sensitivity toothpastes contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which block channels to the nerves. Use for several weeks for best results.
Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects from temperature sensitivity. Use immediately after brushing unless advised otherwise.
Correct Your Brushing Technique
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with light pressure and small circular motions. Aggressive brushing causes recession.
Address Grinding
A custom night guard will protect enamel and prevent additional wear from grinding or clenching.
- Cut back on whitening products: Frequent home whitening gels or strips will lead to increased sensitivity
- Cut back on acidic drinks: Drink through a straw if possible and rinse with water afterwards
Professional Treatments for Temperature Sensitivity
If home care is not enough, there are many effective professional options available with your dentist:
Fluoride Varnish Applications
Makes enamel strong and quickly reduces sensitivity.
Desensitising Sealants or Resin Bonding
Covers the exposed root surfaces and safeguards vulnerable dentine.
Gum Grafting
Especially considered when recession or sensitivity has created significant root exposure.
Replacing or Repairing Worn Fillings
Fixing old or cracked fillings often alleviates localised sensitivity.
Bite Guards
Not only protects enamel but reduces future damage due to grinding.
Root Canal Treatment
Reserved for severe cases where nerve inflammation is involved.
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Warning Signs
- • Sensitivity lasts longer than 5 to 10 seconds
- • Hot foods are more painful than cold ones
- • Discomfort comes from one tooth, not several
- • You have pain at night
- • The tooth feels high when you bite
- • Sensitivity has been ongoing and is getting worse
- • There is a broken filling or visible cracking
Persistent temperature sensitivity should always be treated with complete attention. Early evaluation and intervention will help avoid more complicated or extensive treatment.
How Does Professional Cleaning Help with Sensitivity?
One of the most effective ways to prevent sensitivity is to have healthy gums and reduced build-up of plaque and tartar. Regular cleaning controls inflammation, avoids gum recession, and keeps enamel surfaces strong. Hygienists also offer personalised insights and advice on brushing, help spot early signs of enamel wear, and will offer guidance on fluoride treatments that would minimise sensitivity in the long term.
Can Sensitive Teeth Get Normal Again?
Yes, provided the cause can be detected early and treated. Most people will have considerable improvement when:
- Brushing is performed correctly
- Professional hygiene is maintained
- Enamel strengthening products are used
- Acids in foods are reduced
- Grinding is controlled
- Gum disease is diagnosed early
The sooner the process of guidance begins, the easier it is to reverse or manage the issue.
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