Is Your Favorite Spring Refresher Making You Wince?

Whether your favorite spring refresher is sweet or unsweet tea or an “Arnold Palmer”, if you have tooth sensitivity, indulging in this cold delight may come with a dreaded consequence: short, sharp pain or discomfort on contact. Do not despair! It is treatable. I will explain the relationship between tooth sensitivity and the cold beverages we love and offer some tips for enjoying your favorite cold drinks without discomfort this spring.

A common dental issue affecting millions of people, tooth sensitivity occurs when our protective surface enamel breaks down, exposing the softer tissue layer below, called dentin. This enables nerve signals to pass from the tooth root to the brain with that dreaded zing! Iced cold beverages, especially ones with sugary content, can be a trigger because they cause the enamel to rapidly contract and expand. The sugar can contribute to tooth decay that further exacerbates the issue.

Here are some things you can do to avoid and even eliminate the sensitivity altogether:

1. Sip slowly. This allows your teeth to adjust gradually to the change in temperature.

2. Use a straw. This bypasses the liquid’s direct contact with your teeth.

3. Avoid ice cubes or let them melt a bit.

4. Rinse or swish your mouth with water. This helps normalize the temperature after consuming the icy beverage.

5. Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth like Sensodyne™. They contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that can help block nerve signals and reduce sensitivity over time.

6. Practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day helps strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.

7. Visit your dentist! Regular dental checkups address underlying issues that can be contributing to the sensitivity.

8. Ask your dentist about de-sensitizing treatment such as fluoride varnish.

So, while tooth sensitivity can dampen your enjoyment of your favorite cold beverages, it doesn’t mean you need to give them up entirely! Follow my tips and be mindful of your oral health and you can still indulge with minimal-to-no discomfort.