Do you love ice cream and slushies but avoid them when you can? Does the thought of biting into a popsicle make you cringe?

Many people have teeth that are sensitive to cold foods and drinks. This sensitivity is usually caused by an erosion of your tooth enamel that happens slowly over time. The enamel on your teeth protects the soft tissues inside called dentin. Dentin is full of nerves and pain receptors, so when it’s exposed you are much more prone to pain and discomfort caused by extreme temperatures.

Here are a few ways to manage the sensitivity and continue enjoying the foods and drinks you love.

Address the cause

Brushing twice a day with an electric or soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing regularly is a good way to maintain your enamel to prevent your sensitivity from worsening.

Brush with a special toothpaste

There are toothpastes specifically formulated to relieve sensitivity. Because they contain stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate that creates a barrier over the tooth and soothes the nerves inside, these toothpastes can significantly reduce the level of sensitivity in your teeth.

Make good food choices

Acid decays tooth enamel, so it’s important to continue enjoying the foods and drinks you love, but whenever possible, opt for low-acidic foods like water, legumes, quinoa, melons, chicken, and broccoli over more acidic options like soda, tomatoes, pineapple and processed meats.

Straws

This is simple. If you’re drinking a cold drink, use a straw. This directs the cold liquid into the centre of your mouth so it avoids the teeth almost entirely, preventing pain or sensitivity.

Don’t bite

When you’re enjoying ice cream or frozen yogurt, try using a spoon instead of a cone for the same reasons as the straw mentioned above. If a cone is your only option, lick the ice cream instead of diving in for a big bite that focuses the cold directly onto your teeth.

Use your nose

A mouthful of brisk winter air can cause a big twinge in your sensitive teeth. When you’re outside on particularly frigid days, try to breathe through your nose as much as possible to spare your teeth exposure to the cold. The popularity of masks can be a big help here as well, as they can act like a barrier between the cold air and your face.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and sensitivity and would like to speak to a professional, call your family dentist in Windsor today. Our team at Foresto Dentistry will schedule an appointment to assess your condition and provide customized treatment recommendations to address your unique situation. We are always accepting new patients in Windsor and surrounding areas and would love to hear from you.