Dr. Dan Peterson, a Nebraska dentist, states that 45 million adults have tooth sensitivity at some point in life, and 10 million struggle with it chronically. Sensitive teeth hurt because of many things, all tied into temperature extremes. Hot or cold beverages are two common triggers. A thirsty person grabs a steaming cup of coffee or iced drink and suddenly feels pain.
Definition
Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which heat or cold triggers discomfort, Peterson says. It often starts when the gums recede or the teeth lose their protective enamel and dentin coating. Temperature extremes reach the roots of the teeth because they are not protected. Hot and cold beverages can both cause the problem, so thirst often causes problems for people with this problem. The American Dental Association states that drinks and other triggers do not cause permanent damage.
Risk Factors
Many things raise the risk of developing sensitive teeth. Peterson says that using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing the teeth with too much pressure may cause problems. Tooth grinding, neglected dental hygiene and overuse of mouthwash can also make teeth sensitive. Tooth whitening often causes temporary sensitivity that usually resolves itself within a few days or weeks of the treatment.
Considerations
Certain drinks cause dehydration rather than satisfying thirst. Peterson cites caffeinated beverages that are consumed hot, like coffee, or cold, like colas. They carry their own risk for bothering sensitive teeth because of the temperatures at which they are often served. The dehydration makes people want to drink more, which puts them at additional risk if those drinks are an extreme temperature.
Prevention
Thirst will not affect sensitive teeth if a person does not consume very hot or cold liquids. Most people prefer certain beverages to be hot or iced, but letting them cool down or chilling them mildly helps prevent the problem. Peterson advises people who quench their thirst with orange juice in the morning or drink acidic beverages at any time to wait at least 60 minutes before brushing their teeth. The saliva needs time to remineralize tooth enamel after those beverage types, and brushing interrupts the process.
Treatment
Peterson states that sensitive teeth can be treated so sufferers don't have to worry about potential pain when they are thirsty and grab a beverage. Dentists can apply desensitizer in the office. They usually recommend follow-up use of a toothpaste made especially for people with sensitivity problems. More aggressive treatment may be needed if this does not work. The treatment is aimed at the underlying cause, such as exposed roots or cracked or damaged teeth. For example, the ADA explains that roots can be bonded.
