My teeth are too sensitive to cold

Berlin (dpa) – When inhaling cold winter air through your teeth sets off a stabbing nerve pain, you know something is wrong. For anyone with sensitive teeth, milkshakes, ice cream and just about anything cold can become a painful ordeal. As annoying as this reaction may be, it serves a purpose, says dentist Jochen Schmidt. "It’s a protective reflex of the tooth to prevent sudden temperature changes causing enamel cracks or nerve damage." There are many causes of sensitive teeth, and one common reason is receding gums, which often occurs with age. Where the gum recedes, the so-called neck of the tooth is exposed, making it easier for temperature changes to reach the tooth nerve, which then triggers a reaction. But there are other possible causes, notably thinning enamel, cavities, leaky fil