Indeed, summer heat can worsen tooth sensitivity, and you may not have imagined this. If you indulge in cold drinks or ice cream, and every time you take a sip or bite, you feel a sudden tooth pain, you are not alone. Lots of people have tooth sensitivity in the summer heat, and fortunately, it can be treated.
Let’s examine what spurs this seasonal problem, how you can alleviate it, and when it is necessary to see a dentist for some personal intervention.
Why do My Teeth Feels More Sensitive in Summer?
The heat of summer can lead to tooth sensitivity, particularly when you quickly transition from heat to cold. An example would be after being outside in the sun and then having a sip of iced tea or soft drink! That sudden temperature change can shock your teeth.
Some common causes of sensitive teeth during summer are:
- Cold foods such as ice cream or smoothies
- Citrus fruits and sports drinks
- Swimming in cold pools
- Sipping from a water bottle that may have been in the fridge
- Tension that causes clenching of teeth due to heat-related stress
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. When it is worn away, the dentin of your teeth is exposed, and the inside of your teeth becomes very sensitive. This can happen due to:
- Too hard brushing
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Problems with gums (recession)
- Tooth cracks or chips
- Grinding teeth (even at night)
- Too many whitening products
Can Summer Heat Really Worsen Tooth Sensitivity?
Yes, it can. During the summer months, your teeth have to adapt to many changes in temperature. For example, eating hot foods can immediately be followed up with drinks that are very cold. This can lead to many tiny cracks or stress in the enamel.
Plus, summer types of foods like lemon water, sodas, and fruit juices can be acidic and cause more sensitivity. And excessive heat can lead to dehydration, which leads to decreased saliva, and can leave your teeth less protected!
How to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity in Summer?
There are several easy ways to feel better and help protect your teeth while you do summer things. There are simple things you can do:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Brush lightly with a soft brush
- Don’t eat very hot or very cold foods
- Don’t brush right after eating acidic foods
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
- Drink lots of water
Best Habits to Keep Sensitivity Away
Here’s a quick table of actions that you must do and don’t during summer:
| What to Do? | What to Avoid? |
| Use a straw for cold drinks | Biting ice cubes |
| Brush gently twice a day | Overbrushing with hard bristles |
| Drink lots of water | Skipping dental checkups |
| Choose less-acidic foods | Drinking too many sodas or lemon water |
| Use sensitivity toothpaste | Using whitening strips too often |
When Should You Visit a Dentist?
Some tooth sensitivity is normal. If it is still not going away or getting worse, then it is time to visit a Calgary dentist. Visit a dentist if you:
- Feel sharp or lingering pain
- Feel pain in your teeth when brushing or eating
- Have gum recession and/or swelling
- Have a chipped, cracked, or loose tooth
Sensitive Teeth Treatment in Calgary
At Inglewood Family Dental, we check what’s causing your sensitivity and give you a treatment that works for you. Here’s what we may recommend:
| Problem | Treatment |
| Enamel wear | Fluoride varnish or bonding |
| Gum recession | Desensitizing paste or gum treatments |
| Tooth damage | Fillings, crowns, or root canal |
| Grinding/clenching | Custom night guards |
| Whitening pain | Switching products or applying a desensitizer |
Chill the Pain, Not your Smile!
Sensitive teeth should not prevent you from having fun during your summer! With proper care and advice from your dental provider, you can still enjoy ice cream, smoothies, and other cold drinks in comfort. At Inglewood Family Dental, we care about making your experience comfortable and as pain-free as possible. We are a family-friendly dental clinic located in Calgary, offering gentle, cutting-edge dental care for patients of all ages. We’re always with you, whether you are looking for something for tooth sensitivity or might need check-ups or dental procedures. We welcome patients of all ages with a smile!
As Inglewood Family Dental’s saying goes: Call or book online today – your healthy, happy summer smile starts here!
FAQs
Can drinking cold water lead to tooth pain?
Yes, if your teeth are sensitive, cold drinks can trigger sharp pain.
Is tooth sensitivity always a sign of a cavity?
Not always. It could be worn enamel, gum issues, or grinding too.
Can sensitivity toothpaste really help?
Yes! Many people feel relieved after using it for a few weeks.
Is it safe to eat ice cream with sensitive teeth?
You can, but eat slowly and try using a spoon to avoid direct contact with your front teeth.
