Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Ice Cream? Enamel, Dentin, and Tooth Sensitivity

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Ice Cream? Enamel, Dentin, and Tooth Sensitivity

Enjoy a pain-free National Ice-Cream day

National Ice Cream Day is on July 21st, and people everywhere will blissfully enjoy all of their favorite flavors. However, for those suffering from tooth sensitivity, ice cream and other frozen treats aren’t as much fun. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, this can interfere with your day-to-day life and keep you from enjoying the foods you love the most. Here are a few things to know about tooth sensitivity and how the team at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence can help:

Causes of tooth sensitivity

Exposed teeth are typically the cause of tooth sensitivity. The inside of your tooth is made up of dentin. This material contains tiny nerve endings that can cause extreme sensitivity when they’re not protected by the outer layer of your tooth. When enamel is worn down, this exposes the dentin and causes pain when your tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods and beverages.

Worn down enamel

Enamel can become weak and worn down for many reasons, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Here are a few of the most common causes of worn down enamel:

• Aggressive Brushing: If you aren’t using a soft toothbrush and you are applying accessive pressure when you brush, this can erode your enamel. Try using an electric toothbrush to regulate and ease pressure as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Cavities: Essentially, a cavity occurs when your enamel becomes soft and weak, eventually exposing the dentin. To repair minor decay, come in for a fluoride treatment. We also offer fillings to treat fully-formed cavities.
• Acidic Foods & Beverages: Consuming very acidic foods and drinks without brushing often in between can erode your tooth enamel and result in tooth sensitivity. Try cutting down your intake of acidic foods and drinks.

Treating tooth sensitivity

Sensitivity and pain are signs that something is amiss, and if you experience oral discomfort when eating ice cream, we can help! During your appointment, our team will assess your teeth and gums to determine where the issue lies, and come up with a treatment plan to get you back to optimal health. Call us today to schedule an appointment at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence. You can reach us at (985) 626-4401 or stop by our office at 240 Dalwill Dr, Mandeville, LA 70471.