Have you ever taken a sip of ice-cold water only to be met with a sudden, sharp pain in your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world experience tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming cold beverages. But what actually causes this discomfort? Is it a sign of a bigger dental issue? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity—also called dentin hypersensitivity—occurs when the inner layer of your tooth (called dentin) becomes exposed. Dentin contains tiny tubules filled with nerve endings. When exposed to external stimuli like cold water, air, or sweet foods, these nerves send pain signals to your brain.
Tooth sensitivity is not a disease but a symptom of another dental issue, such as gum recession, enamel erosion, or tooth decay.
Why teeth are sensitive when drinking cold water is a question of many people.
Do you have questions about tooth sensitivity?
If you have questions, submit the form below or speak to our enquiry coordinators on +84 906 621 988 .
Call us ❯Top Causes of Cold Sensitivity in Teeth
Here are some of the most common causes why your teeth hurt when drinking cold water:
1. Enamel Erosion
Your tooth enamel is the hard, protective layer that shields the softer dentin underneath. When enamel wears down, cold stimuli can reach the nerves inside the tooth.
Causes of enamel erosion include:
- Acidic foods and drinks (e.g., citrus fruits, soda)
- Brushing too hard with a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Acid reflux or frequent vomiting
2. Gum Recession
Healthy gums protect the tooth root, which doesn’t have enamel. When your gums pull back (recede), the exposed root becomes vulnerable to sensitivity.
Common causes of gum recession:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Brushing too hard or using the wrong technique
- Genetics or age-related gum changes
3. Tooth Decay or Cavities
Cavities form when bacteria produce acids that erode enamel and reach the dentin. If left untreated, decay can lead to intense sensitivity or even tooth infection.
4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Even a tiny crack in a tooth can expose the dentin or pulp, resulting in sharp pain when drinking something cold.
You might not notice a crack visually, but if you’re feeling sudden pain with temperature changes, it’s worth getting checked.
5. Recent Dental Work
Have you recently had fillings, whitening, or a deep cleaning? These treatments can temporarily irritate the nerves, making teeth sensitive to cold water.
The sensitivity usually fades within a few days or weeks.
6. Overuse of Whitening Products
Teeth whitening treatments, especially those containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity. While whitening your smile can boost your confidence, using non-professional or overly strong products can weaken enamel and irritate the nerves inside your teeth.
👉 If you’ve recently undergone a whitening treatment and are now experiencing pain, read our guide on safe teeth whitening options in Vietnam for better alternatives.
How Teeth Whitening Affects Tooth Sensitivity
It’s common to want a whiter smile—but it’s also important to understand how teeth whitening interacts with sensitivity.
Over-the-counter whitening products often contain high concentrations of peroxide, which can penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin layer. This increases tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming cold or hot beverages.
If you’re planning to whiten your teeth but have a history of sensitivity, professional whitening performed by a dentist is much safer and less irritating.
Greenfield Dental offers customized whitening solutions that protect your enamel and minimize nerve exposure. Ask us about our sensitivity-safe whitening packages available for international patients visiting Hanoi.
Customized whitening solutions that protect your enamel and minimize nerve exposure
Wondering about cost for teeth whitening?
If you have questions, submit the form below or speak to our enquiry coordinators on +84 906 621 988 .
Call us ❯How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity to Cold Water
1. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth—like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive—work by blocking nerve signals from reaching the brain. With consistent daily use, these products can noticeably reduce discomfort when drinking cold water.
2. Switch to a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush
Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristle brush can wear down enamel and cause gum recession, both of which lead to sensitivity. Switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush and use light, circular strokes to protect your teeth and gums.
Choose a soft bristles toothbrush to clean your teeth.
3. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce nerve exposure. Your dentist can apply a professional fluoride varnish during a visit, or you can use fluoride-enriched toothpaste and mouthwash at home as part of your daily routine.
4. Dental Bonding or Sealants
When sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces or minor enamel damage, your dentist may apply a tooth-colored bonding resin or a protective dental sealant to block irritants and reduce pain.
5. Address Underlying Dental Problems
If your sensitivity stems from deeper issues like cavities, gum disease, or structural damage, treating the root cause is essential. Your dentist may recommend:
- Tooth-colored fillings to repair decay
- Root canal therapy if the inner pulp is inflamed or infected
- Gum grafting for advanced gum recession
- Dental crowns to restore cracked, weakened, or heavily worn teeth
A dental crown not only strengthens the structure of a compromised tooth but also creates a protective barrier that eliminates direct exposure to cold and hot stimuli. If you’re experiencing chronic sensitivity in a damaged or treated tooth, a crown may be the ideal long-term solution.
Wondering about dental crowns treatment?
If you have questions, submit the form below or speak to our enquiry coordinators on +84 906 621 988 .
Call us ❯Home Remedies to Reduce Sensitivity
In addition to professional treatments, try these simple home remedies:
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
- Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks
- Drink cold beverages with a straw to limit contact
- Avoid teeth whitening products if they cause discomfort
Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
Greenfield Dental Services for Sensitive Teeth
At Greenfield Dental in Hanoi, we offer a full range of professional treatments designed to manage and treat tooth sensitivity. Here’s why patients from around the world trust us:
✅ Desensitizing fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce nerve response
✅ Dental bonding or sealants to protect exposed dentin
✅ Gum care services to stop recession and inflammation
✅ Gentle whitening options that minimize sensitivity while brightening your smile
✅ Digital diagnostics to detect cracks, worn fillings, or decay
✅ Tailored treatment plans, priced transparently with no hidden fees
We combine international standards with Vietnamese hospitality, ensuring your visit is comfortable and worry-free.
At Greenfield Dental, we don’t just treat symptoms—we treat the cause of your sensitivity with a compassionate, science-based approach. Book your consultation today and enjoy cold drinks again—without the sting.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation:
🌐 greenfield.clinic | ✉️ hello@nhakhoagreenfield.com
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📱 Hotline/WhatsApp/Zalo: +84 906 621 988
Address: 95 Trung Hoa st, Cau Giay, Hanoi