Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Drink Something Cold?

Enjoying a nice cool drink should feel refreshing. It certainly shouldn’t feel like someone has just poked a sharp metal object into the core of your tooth. But that’s exactly what it feels like when you have a tooth sensitivity that causes your tooth to hurt when you drink something cold. It’s a sudden, sharp pain that can literally bring you to your knees with agony. Well, okay, maybe not always that bad, but it’s definitely something that should bring you to the doors of your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, because you need dental treatment.

Exposed Dentin and Worn Enamel

The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, protects the inner dentin, which contains tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve. When enamel wears down due to brushing too hard, acid erosion, or grinding, cold liquids can travel through these tubules and stimulate the nerve, causing pain.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

A cavity weakens the tooth’s structure, allowing cold drinks to reach sensitive areas. If decay is left untreated, the pain may worsen over time and indicate a deeper issue, such as an infection or nerve damage.

Gum Recession and Root Exposure

Gums naturally recede with age, aggressive brushing, or gum disease, exposing the tooth’s root. Since the root lacks the same protective enamel as the rest of the tooth, it is more sensitive to cold temperatures.

Cracked or Damaged Teeth

A crack or fracture in a tooth can create an opening that allows cold liquids to irritate the nerve. Even a small hairline crack may cause sensitivity and discomfort.

Using desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods and maintaining gentle brushing habits can help protect sensitive teeth. However, if pain persists, it’s best to visit a dentist to see if perhaps you have a cavity in North Little Rock, AR. If so, the treatment is often as simple as getting a filling.