How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity to Cold

Women with sensitive teeth eating ice cream

A bite of ice cream. A sip of an ice-cold soda. If you have sensitive teeth, these everyday cold foods and drinks can unexpectedly trigger a jolt of pain fast.

That’s because, over time, your protective layer of tooth enamel can wear down, exposing the soft, inner part of your tooth called dentin, where the nerves live. Certain triggers—including cold foods, drinks, or even a burst of air—can aggravate the nerves, causing a short, sharp pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.

Here are a few tips for dealing with cold sensitivity triggers on a daily basis.

5 Ways to Help Manage Sensitivity to Cold

How to deal with tooth sensitivity to cold

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Cold drinks can lead to tooth sensitivity

1. Drink Through a Straw

Sipping on cold beverages can be painful. Instead, drink them through a straw so the liquid bypasses your teeth and will be less likely to trigger a twinge of sensitivity.

Ice cream and sorbet can lead to tooth sensitivity

2. Eat Dessert Differently

You don’t have to give up your favorite frozen desserts—just try eating them differently. Rather than biting into ice cream or sorbet, lick it instead. This way, you’ll avoid direct contact with your teeth and get to savor it longer.

Woman with tooth sensitivity to cold outside

3. Breathe Through Your Nose

To prevent a gust of cold air from hurting your sensitive teeth, cover your mouth with a scarf and breathe through your nose when you are outside so your teeth aren’t exposed.

Man with tooth sensitivity to cold flossing

4. Practice Good Oral Care

Reduce your risk of sensitivity to cold by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and by flossing every day. A good oral care routine can help protect your teeth and prevent conditions like enamel wear or receding gums, which can lead to sensitive teeth.

Sensodyne Deep Clean toothpaste for sensitive teeth

5. Brush with Sensodyne^® Every Day

Sensodyne toothpastes contain ingredients that help relieve sensitivity* and protect your teeth, so you can fully enjoy your favorite cold foods, drinks, and activities. Find which Sensodyne toothpaste is right for you.

*With twice daily brushing