Every winter, our Glendale dentists hear from people who have started to experience dental sensitivity with the temperature change. Dental sensitivity is very common among adults, because our teeth change over time. Keep reading to get the facts on temperature-related dental sensitivity.
As the weather gets colder, you may notice that your teeth ache or feel sensitive when hit with cold air. Conversely, you may experience dental sensitivity when you consume a warm drink. Some dental patients report sensitivity in specific teeth, while others find that their whole smile is affected.
Most of the time this type of sensitivity pops up because the dental enamel of your smile has thinned. The dental enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, and it is designed to protect the inner layers of the tooth, which are more sensitive. When dental enamel thins, more of the sensitive dentin is exposed, and this can cause discomfort.
Dental enamel thins due to:
Age and time—we put our teeth through a lot every day! Some level of enamel depletion is normal as we age
Acid exposure—acidic foods and drinks cause premature acid erosion
Bruxism—if you regularly grind your teeth, your enamel will likely suffer as a result
The best case scenario is that you or your dentist notice small changes in your smile before they become pronounced. Using enamel-fortifying toothpastes, mouth rinses, and in-office treatments, we can help your dental enamel stay strong, thereby reducing sensitivity.
If you are already experiencing significant discomfort, our team will talk to you about options to strengthen your enamel, as well as treatments like dental bonding, which can protect weak teeth.
As always, our Glendale dentists are very happy to give you more information about this common dental issue. Call our dental team to schedule your personal consultation!