Why Do My Teeth Hurt After I Eat Cold or Hot Foods?

You’ve probably experienced this at some point: a glass of cold water or a cup of hot coffee brought some sharp pain to your teeth. It means your teeth are sensitive, and there are several reasons why that can be:

You are Losing Tooth Enamel

One of the main reasons your teeth may be hurting is that you have worn down your tooth’s protective tooth enamel. This may have happened for several reasons, including…

You Grind Your Teeth

When you clench your teeth or grind your teeth while sleeping, you can put hours of strain on your jaw and teeth, wearing down on the enamel. Getting a good mouth guard will alleviate this pressure and help your teeth heal from the strain.

You Eat Too Many Acidic Foods and Drinks

Did you know that soda is incredibly corrosive? It can wear down on your teeth, especially if you aren’t brushing very often. And slowly sipping a soda can extend how long your teeth are exposed to the drink’s high acidity. Other acidic foods include lemons, oranges, and tomatoes (especially tomato-based sauces).

Your Gums are Receding

This is never a good sign and could mean that…

You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively

Whether you are brushing your teeth in a hurry or overzealously scrubbing away plaque, over brushing can wear down on enamel and well as cause your gums to recede away, exposing the nerves that they usually protect. Your dentist will be able to tell by the shape of your gums and your tooth enamel if this is the case.

You’re Suffering from Gum Disease

If your gums are inflamed due to gingivitis or periodontitis, your gums may also recede. Your Boise dentist can help you set up a treatment plan to get your mouth in good shape, however.

These are just a few of the reasons your teeth are sensitive. Whatever the reason behind your sensitive teeth, you can help de-sensitize them by getting a special tooth brush that will help protect your teeth. If your teeth are very sensitive for more than three days, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist to see what is causing the problem.