What Tooth Sensitivity To Hot And Cold Means

January 19, 2017

Teeth can be sensitive to cold and hot for many reasons. An important distinction is that if a tooth is sensitive to heat, it is more of a problem than if sensitive to cold.

A man is holding his mouth in pain because of a toothache.

When you drink a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup and your tooth hurts it is usually from a nerve inside the tooth that is dying or has died. The heat expands gas inside the tooth and it is painful. This informs us that for some reason, like decay, a fracture or trauma, the nerve and blood flow inside the tooth is compromised and a root canal is needed to fix the situation. This procedure can actually be done quite easily.


Reasons for cold sensitivity are

  • Gum recession ( age related or from brushing too hard) that has exposed the root of the tooth normally covered by gum. The root becomes highly sensitive.
  • Fracture of a filling or a leaky filling
  • Fracture of the tooth itself
  • Wearing away of the enamel on the biting surface of a tooth that allows cold to reach the middle part of the tooth called the dentin
  • Leaking margin of a crown
  • Open contacts ( spaces) between teeth
  • Periodontal disease that causes gums to shrink and expose root surfaces
  • The nerve inside the tooth is dying or injured in some way
  • New, deep filling or crown that temporarily has caused nerve hypersensitivity
  • Decay in the tooth


These are the main reasons a tooth may be cold sensitive. The good news is that treatment at our office can alleviate all of these conditions. First we must diagnose the problem, then we will discuss the best treatment plan for you.

Subscribe to Dr. Annie's newsletter

Latest Articles

Dentist and patient in exam room; patient smiles, wearing bib; doctor wears mask, gloves.
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt October 6, 2025
For many people, visiting the dentist can feel intimidating. Whether it’s a fear of needles, sensitivity to sound, or past experiences that created unease, dental anxiety is more common than you may think. At Amaze Dental in Kirkland, we believe that every patient deserves compassionate, personalized care that prioriti
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt September 7, 2025
There are few things as uncomfortable, or as socially awkward, as realizing you have bad breath. While everyone experiences it occasionally after some garlic fries or first thing in the morning, persistent bad breath can signal a more serious issue known as halitosis . This condition affects millions of people and is one of the most common reasons patients seek advice from their dentist. The good news is that with proper care, halitosis can usually be managed or even eliminated.
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt August 12, 2025
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic questions that come up during dental visits. A whiter smile can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and give you a fresh, clean look. With so many whitening options available, from store-bought kits to professional treatments, it’s important to understand how whitening works, which option is best for you, and how to achieve safe, lasting results.
Show more articles

Share this article