Why Your Tooth Is Sensitive To Hot
When a tooth is sensitive to hot, it can prevent you from enjoying certain foods and beverages. If you have sensitivity to heat only, it could mean your tooth is having a bigger problem.
This article will help you find out why you have teeth sensitive to hot foods and drinks and how to find fast relief.
Table of Contents
Teeth Sensitive To Hot Things: An Overview
Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and protects the inside layers of the teeth that houses the nerves. Your tooth is sensitive to hot by:
- A tooth comes in contact with a hot source.
- The hot sensation travels through the tooth’s tubules leading to the nerves.
- The nerve signal travels to the brain feeling the hot sensitivity.
Teeth Sensitive To Heat Only
When a tooth is sensitive to hot, it could mean a few different things. Teeth sensitive to heat usually mean that the tooth isn’t as healthy as it should be. A healthy tooth should be able to tolerate different temperatures without causing any pain.
A tooth is sensitive to hot because:
- Missing Enamel: Enamel protects the tooth to keep it healthy and strong. When enamel is compromised, teeth sensitive to heat can occur.
- Recession: When the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed. The root does not have any enamel and can lead to heat sensitivity.
- Issues with Dental Restorations: At times, dental fillings and crowns can break down. This can expose the inside layers of the tooth making heat less tolerable.
- Sinus Pressure: When the sinuses are inflamed, they can cause pressure on the roots of the teeth. This can make your teeth hypersensitive to heat.
- Cavities: A cavity is a weakened area in the tooth. The enamel is damaged and can lead to temperature sensitivity.
- Our Discover Cavities in Between Teeth has additional information.
Teeth Sensitive To Hot But Not Cold
Every tooth in the mouth is unique. Teeth develop at different points in your lifetime and can impact their long-term health. Teeth sensitive to hot but not cold is generally less common.
Teeth sensitive to hot but not cold can be caused by:
- Enamel was compromised during development
- Enamel was compromised due to a cavity or recession
- An infection is present in the tooth
- The pulp, or nerve, of the tooth is damaged
If you have a tooth sensitive to hot, contact your dental team today. They will be able to diagnose any problems and prevent future heat sensitivities.
Tooth Is Sensitive To Cold And Hot: Finding Relief
A tooth is sensitive to cold and hot can be annoying and painful. There are several different ways to find fast relief and prevent future sensitivity. When a tooth is sensitive to hot and cold, prevention is key.
Whether you’re experiencing teeth sensitive to heat only or if a tooth is sensitive to cold and hot, we can help! To find relief:
- Use a sensitive toothpaste 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Brushing right before exposing hot or cold can also help protect you.
- Avoid extreme hot and cold foods and beverages if possible. Using a straw with beverages can help prevent splashing on the teeth.
- Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments that can help strengthen the enamel.
Having an established homecare routine is the best prevention for teeth sensitivity. Keeping the teeth healthy and strong will prevent teeth sensitive to hot and cold.
- Brush two times a day.
- Floss daily.
- See your dentist at least every 6 months for dental cleanings.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Minimize sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
What You Should Do If Your Tooth Is Sensitive To Hot
Healthy teeth should be able to tolerate hot and cold temperatures. When a tooth is sensitive to cold and hot, it could mean that something bigger is happening. It is normal with extreme hot and cold temperatures to have a brief sensation that goes away quickly.
If dental sensitivity is common for you, contact your dentist. Your dental team can evaluate if a bigger problem is occurring. Contact your dental team if:
- A tooth is sensitive to hot and does not go away after a few seconds.
- You have teeth sensitive to hot but not cold and increase over time.
- A tooth is sensitive to cold and hot and continues to get worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does heat sensitivity always mean root canal?
Heat sensitivity does not always mean you need a root canal. Heat sensitivity can be caused by thin enamel, cracked teeth, a cavity, and several other reasons. Consult your dentist to find out why you have teeth sensitive to hot.
How do you fix heat-sensitive teeth?
There are several steps you can take to help teeth sensitive to heat only. Use a sensitive helping toothpaste and brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Use a remineralizing mouthwash. Finally, consult your dentist if a tooth is sensitive to cold and hot.
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