Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Drink Something Cold?
Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
You take a sip of ice water and suddenly—
OUCH.
One tooth sends a quick, sharp pain through your mouth.
Then a few seconds later, everything feels normal again.
So, should you worry?
Sometimes tooth sensitivity is simple. Other times, it can be your tooth telling you something needs attention.
The important question is not only how to stop the sensitivity.
It is why your tooth is sensitive in the first place.
At Pomona Smile Studio, Dr. Juddy Lin can help you find out what is causing it.
Why Does Cold Water Hurt My Tooth?
Your tooth has a hard outside layer called enamel.
Underneath is a more sensitive layer called dentin.
When that sensitive area becomes exposed or irritated, something cold can cause a quick, sharp feeling.
There are many reasons this can happen.
Some are simple.
Others need a dentist to take a closer look.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Cold sensitivity can happen for several reasons.
Common causes include:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Gums pulling away from the tooth
- A cavity
- A cracked tooth
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Brushing too hard
- Recent dental treatment
This is why the same solution does not work for everyone.
We first need to know what is causing your sensitivity.
Is a Sensitive Tooth Always a Cavity?
No.
Having a sensitive tooth does not automatically mean you have a cavity.
But a cavity can cause sensitivity.
So can a crack, worn enamel, or an exposed part of your tooth.
That’s why we don’t want you guessing based only on how the tooth feels.
At Pomona Smile Studio, Dr. Lin can examine the area and help determine what is actually causing the problem.
What If Only One Tooth Is Sensitive to Cold?
Pay attention if it’s always the same tooth.
Ask yourself:
Does the same tooth hurt every time I drink something cold?
Is the sensitivity getting stronger?
Does the pain disappear quickly or stay after the cold is gone?
Does the tooth also hurt when I bite?
Those details can help Dr. Lin figure out what may be happening.
If the same tooth keeps hurting when you drink something cold, have it checked—especially if the pain is getting stronger or lasting longer.
Can I Use Sensitive-Tooth Toothpaste?
Sometimes.
Sensitive-tooth toothpaste may help when exposed areas of the tooth are causing the sensitivity.
You can also:
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Brush gently
- Avoid brushing harder to try to make your teeth cleaner
- Continue brushing and flossing every day
But there is something important to understand.
Sensitive-tooth toothpaste cannot fix every cause of sensitivity.
For example, toothpaste will not repair a cavity or a cracked tooth.
If the sensitivity keeps coming back, we need to find out why.
Does Tooth Sensitivity Always Mean Something Is Wrong?
No.
Teeth can sometimes become sensitive for reasons that are temporary.
Some people may also notice temporary sensitivity after certain dental treatments.
But you should have the tooth checked if the sensitivity:
- Keeps coming back
- Gets stronger
- Happens in one specific tooth
- Hurts when you bite
- Lingers after the cold is gone
- Starts hurting without eating or drinking
- Comes with swelling or significant pain
You don’t have to wait until the tooth becomes extremely painful to find out what’s happening.
“But It Only Hurts for a Second.”
We understand why that can be confusing.
The pain happens.
Then it’s gone.
A quick pain may turn out to be something simple.
But how long it hurts does not tell us exactly what is causing it.
Once we know why your tooth is sensitive, we can explain what—if anything—needs to be done.
What Will Dr. Lin Check?
First, tell us what you’ve been feeling.
Dr. Lin may ask:
Which tooth hurts?
Does cold cause it?
Does chewing hurt?
How quickly does the pain go away?
Then she can examine the tooth and surrounding area.
If we find something, we’ll show you what we see and explain it in simple words.
If the tooth does not need treatment, we’ll explain that too.
The goal is for you to understand why your tooth is sensitive and what you can do about it.
Still Avoiding Cold Drinks Because of One Tooth?
Maybe you’ve started drinking on the other side of your mouth.
Maybe you’ve stopped putting ice in your drinks.
Or maybe you’ve been thinking:
“It only hurts for a second. I’ll wait.”
You don’t have to keep guessing.
At Pomona Smile Studio in Pomona, CA, Dr. Juddy Lin can check the tooth and help you find out what’s causing the sensitivity.
Find Out Why Your Tooth Hurts
If cold drinks keep bothering the same tooth, let’s find out why.
Pomona Smile Studio
Dr. Juddy Lin, DMD
Pomona, California
909-620-6066