5 Offenders of Sensitive Teeth

Enemy #1: Cold Stuff 

Thought you’d drown your sensitive-teeth worries in a pint of ice cream? Think again. Your enamel is like a coat that keeps your teeth from freezing when frosty treats hit their surface and when it’s worn down, cold stuff really hurts. Even breathing in cold air can lead to that unexpected zing of pain in your teeth.

Enemy #2: Hot Stuff

Just as you wouldn’t want to have boiling-hot water splashed on your skin, your teeth can’t handle hot temperature liquids like coffee, tea and soup when your enamel is worn down.

Enemy #3: Acidic Stuff

Do you love citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, sour candies, diet soda and wine? Your teeth don’t. Acid wears away at your enamel, making them more sensitive than ever.

Enemy #4: Sweet Stuff

Another acid culprit. The bacteria in your mouth love sugar, and the more of it you eat, the more acid they make. We know everyone has a sweet tooth, but some of the worst offenders to avoid are soda, sports drinks and juice.

Enemy #5: Hard Stuff

When you crunch down on ice, hard candies and nuts, it can cause cracks in your teeth, exposing nerves that get irritated when you chew.