Summer is officially here, and temperatures are expected to climb steeply over the next few weeks. Cold treats for sweltering heat—ice cream and snow cones, for example—are always welcome. That is, unless your teeth have become sensitive to cold. Or perhaps you prefer hot barbecue and burgers at summer cookouts. Either way, you may find that tooth sensitivity makes enjoying your favorite foods and drinks less enjoyable. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a general dentist who treats sensitive teeth in Astoria, NY, explains that this common ailment affects an estimated 45 million Americans. The good news? It’s treatable.
Why Do I Have Sensitive Teeth?
Each of your teeth harbors microscopic tubules beneath a layer of protective tooth enamel. If your gums recede, these tubules may become exposed. When you experience sensitivity, it is because cells within the tubules have been stimulated by food, liquid, or even air. Alternately, the enamel of your teeth develops tiny fractures, allowing hot and cold sensations to reach the nerves and tubules within your tooth.
How Do I Manage Tooth Sensitivity at Home?
Several steps, many of which do not require dental intervention, can be taken to address this sensitive matter. Ask yourself:
What kind of toothpaste do I use? Whitening toothpaste works by removing surface stains from the tooth enamel, but it may actually cause sensitivity in patients whose tooth enamel is not strong and healthy. Tartar-control toothpaste, specifically those that contain the ingredient sodium pyrophosphate, has also been known to cause tooth pain. Instead, choose a toothpaste that is specially formulated for people who have sensitive teeth. Dr. Leibowitz adds that sometimes you may need to use a product for at least one month before noticing significant improvements. In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to schedule a dental checkup.
Could my hot-weather habits cause sensitivity? When it’s hot, chewing on ice cubes may seem like an easy way to cool down. Unfortunately, it can also weaken the enamel that covers your teeth. Here’s a tip for enjoying your favorite cold drinks without triggering your sensitive teeth: Drink through a straw. Not only will this limit exposing sensitive teeth to cold liquid; it also benefits teeth by limiting their exposure to sugary or acidic beverages, such as soda, lemonade, or cold milkshakes.
What type of toothbrush do I use? When you want to remove stubborn stains from pots and pans, you don’t use a soft tissue; you use steel wool. Does that mean that a toothbrush that has hard bristles is more effective than a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles? Absolutely not, says Dr. Leibowitz. Tooth enamel may very well be the hardest natural substance in your body, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s invincible. Unless directed otherwise, steer clear of hard-bristled brushes. You can find more helpful tips on choosing oral care products on our blog.
Sensitive Teeth vs. Toothache
Sometimes changing your brushing habits and oral care products isn’t enough to alleviate tooth discomfort. We generally classify sensitivity as discomfort that occurs in response to heat and cold, lasting for more than a few days an affecting multiple teeth. A toothache, on the other hand, tends to affect only one or two teeth at a time and produces pain under most conditions, not just exposure to extreme temperatures. If you have a toothache, it’s best to contact your Astoria, NY dentist as soon as possible. Possible causes of toothaches (not tooth sensitivity) include infected root canals, an abscessed tooth, and untreated tooth decay. Dr. Leibowitz will evaluate your teeth and jaw, often using x-rays to determine whether the problem lies deep within your tooth.
Sensitive teeth, or something more? To learn more about treating tooth pain, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at 718-728-8320. We welcome patients living in upstate New York, New York City, Astoria, and as far as New Jersey. For the latest oral health insights and updates, follow us on Facebook.
