The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) suggests seeing your dental professional if your sensitivity lingers more than 30 seconds after coming in contact with an extreme temperature or if your tooth pain is ongoing or severe. These are all signs that you could have a cavity, exposed nerves, infection, or gum disease that's severe enough that you'll need professional treatment, which may include:
An inlay, bonding, or crown placement. If you have a fractured, damaged, or decaying tooth, your dental professional may repair it with one of these procedures.
Application of fluoride gel. Fluoride gel will strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce the number of pain signals sent to your brain.
Root canal procedure. Your dental professional may perform a root canal procedure to remove infected or inflamed tooth pulp in the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are. Then, they will fill and seal it.
Surgical gum graft. If your gums have receded, a small amount of tissue can be removed from the roof of your mouth and grafted to your gumline.
If your tooth is sensitive to heat or you experience sensitivity in your teeth when you're trying to enjoy hot or cold treats, the good news is your condition is treatable. By practicing good oral hygiene, you may be able to reverse the condition on your own. And if you have tooth sensitivity to hot and cold that is ongoing or concerns you, don't wait for your next checkup. Get in for an appointment right away. Your dental professional will be able to diagnose the cause and give you the treatment you need so you can get back to enjoying food and beverages of any temperature. Now that's something to smile about.