Ask Dr. Rye: Why are my teeth so sensitive?

Why are my teeth so sensitive? Specially when I have ice cream. 

Cold sensitivity in a tooth is a response of the pulp and its supportive tissues, including bone, ligament, and soft tissues, to variations in its environment. Temperature changes, particularly extreme changes of rapid onset, can elicit intermittent responses, particularly when inflammation is present. So…if the pulp or the surrounding tissues are already inflamed secondary to, say, a bite interference, or a leaking filling, or a fracture in the root or enamel, you may experience intermittent, exaggerated responses to temperature changes.  That was probably not very clear. Something is not right with your tooth! As an aside, if the tooth is sensitive to hot, it is probably in bigger trouble still. Patients say, “If I ignore it, it goes away.” Patients are always right. And that is how teeth get into trouble! See your dentist!