Sensitivity to cold is fairly common, but pain with hot food is a sign you should not ignore because it may involve the pulp of the tooth.
- Sensitivity or pain with hot food, especially lingering pain, suggests the pulp of the tooth has a problem.
- Common causes are deep decay, a failed filling, a cracked tooth and pulp inflammation.
- Avoiding very hot and very cold food and not chewing on the sore side only helps temporarily.
- Lasting pain, night pain, spontaneous pain or a swollen gum needs to be examined.
Many people feel a brief sting with cold water because the tooth neck is exposed or enamel is worn. But if a tooth hurts with heat, especially if the pain lingers after the hot drink is gone, it is often more serious.
Why is sensitivity to heat worth noting?
When the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed, the tissue becomes more sensitive to temperature than normal. Heat makes the blood vessels in the pulp expand and raises pressure, so the tooth throbs and keeps hurting for a while. That is why pain with heat often suggests a problem deeper than the outer enamel.
Common causes
- Deep decay, close to or reaching the pulp. See how to tell whether decay has reached the pulp.
- An old filling that has opened or failed, exposing the dentine.
- A cracked or chipped tooth, letting heat in through the crack.
- Pulp inflammation or inflammation around the root tip.
What can you do while waiting to be seen?
- Avoid very hot and very cold food for now and do not chew on the sore side.
- Brush gently and keep that area clean.
- Do not put foreign substances into a cavity and do not take medicine of unknown origin. If you need a painkiller, ask a dentist or pharmacist.
These steps only help temporarily and do not deal with the cause.
When should you see a dentist?
- Pain with heat, pain that lasts after the heat is removed, or pain at night. See what to do about a toothache.
- Spontaneous toothache, swollen gum or swollen cheek.
- Sensitivity that has lasted for weeks. See also what to do about teeth sensitive to cold.
You can visit in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
How is pain with hot food different from pain with cold food?
Sensitivity to cold is often from an exposed tooth neck or worn enamel. Pain with heat, especially lingering pain, often suggests the pulp has a problem, so you should be examined.
Will sensitivity to hot food go away by itself?
If the cause is superficial it may ease, but if the pain lasts, comes at night or comes on by itself, do not wait and see a dentist.
Should I take medicine myself for tooth sensitivity?
Do not take medicine of unknown origin or put foreign substances into a cavity. If you need pain relief, ask a dentist or pharmacist.