You drink something cold and feel that stinging pain in your teeth. Did you just get braces? It’s probably nothing but here are some reasons why it may be happening.
Can braces make your teeth sensitive to cold? Yes there are 6 reasons why this can occur. How long will it take for your teeth to stop being sensitive and what can you do about it. Here’s what to look out for if you think it’s more than just sensitive teeth.
Quick Answer: Yes, and It Usually Fades
Your teeth will become sensitive when you have braces on. This will normally occur during the first few days of having them and every time they are adjusted. According to the AAO braces put gentle constant force on your teeth which starts the bones around your teeth to remodel this will cause pain. Your teeth may remain sore for 3-5 days after having them fitted according to an NHS hospital information leaflet.
Here is a quick way to sort normal from not normal.
Usually normal:
- Aching or tenderness for a few days after fitting or an adjustment
- Teeth that feel sore when you bite down
- Mild sensitivity to cold that fades within about a week
Time to call your dentist or orthodontist:
- Sensitivity that keeps getting worse
- Soreness that lasts longer than a week
- White or brown marks on your teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- A broken bracket or wire
Next, let’s look at why this happens.
Why Braces Cause Tooth Sensitivity: 6 Reasons
Sensitivity to cold usually means the layer under your enamel, called dentin, is reacting. Cleveland Clinic explains that sensitivity happens when enamel wears down or gums pull back and expose that softer layer. Braces can set up that situation in several ways.
1. Pressure and Inflammation After Adjustments
Its the most common reason. When you have braces on they put pressure on your teeth to move. This causes your gums to become inflamed because that’s what holds your teeth in place. According to the AAO every time they put pressure on your teeth it starts the process again. You may notice your teeth feeling sore and even sensitive to cold drinks. North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS states that you will feel sore at night after having them put on because your teeth are beginning to move. This should go away once your mouth adjusts.
2. Plaque Trapped Around Brackets
They allow food and bacteria to get stuck on your teeth. According to a leaflet from Queen Victoria Hospital NHS your brace will not harm your teeth but any food or plaque that remains can build up on your teeth causing cavities and gum problems. Another NHS leaflet states that you have a greater chance of both while having a brace on and it becomes more difficult to keep them clean. Build up of plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed and also can cause erosion on your teeth. This can result in sensitive teeth.
3. Early Cavities and White Marks
The NHS leaflet from North Cumbria Integrated Care says the first sign of tooth decay is a white mark. Cavities also cause cold sensitivity. A Benco Dental blog post quoting dentist Michael Sinkin calls decay one of the most common reasons for cold sensitivity and says sensitivity is one of the earliest signs of a cavity. If one tooth reacts strongly to cold while the rest feel fine, a cavity is a real possibility.
4. Gum Inflammation and Recession
Gum trouble exposes the roots of teeth. Cleveland Clinic says thin or damaged gums can pull back and reveal the sensitive root surface. Benco’s source explains that roots lack enamel protection, so they react more to cold. A dental journal article in Dentistry.co.uk adds that gum recession can sometimes follow certain tooth movements during orthodontic treatment, especially in patients with thin gum tissue. Your orthodontist watches for this. Tell them if you notice a tooth looking longer or a gum line that has moved.
5. Brushing Too Hard or Whitening During Treatment
Braces can cause you to brush more. Some people will brush harder as well. The Dentistry article mentioned toothbrush abrasion which can occur if you brush too hard and have a scrubbing motion. They recommend using an electric toothbrush, do not use a scrubbing motion and never use a hard brush. There are also whitening products that can contribute to this. Cleveland Clinic states that some whitening products can cause sensitivity. As stated in the Dentistry.co.uk article avoid whitening if your teeth are sensitive. Once your braces are off.
6. Grinding, Cracks, or a Broken Appliance
Cleveland Clinic says clenching or grinding wears down enamel and can expose dentin. The Dentistry.co.uk article notes that cracked teeth or fillings can react to extreme temperatures, especially cold. Benco’s source lists broken braces among the causes of cold sensitivity too, and adds that a break can set back treatment until your orthodontist fixes it. A sudden change in how a tooth feels is worth a visit.
How Long Does Braces Sensitivity Last?
Pressure will ease off over the following few days. According to AAO it can be uncomfortable but usually eases after a couple of days. On the queen victoria hospital leaflet it states 3-5 days after having them on. You should feel this again for less time after any further appointments.
When exposed to cold things. From the dentistry.co.uk web page it says most people will find their teeth sensitive to cold food or drink or even just cold air. Leaflet from north cumbria integrated care tells you to contact us if it’s still sore after one week. So use that as a guide.
How to Ease Cold Sensitivity With Braces: 8 Steps
Try these in order. Most come from NHS leaflets and Cleveland Clinic guidance.
- Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste: Cleveland Clinic says it can reduce pain. You can also dab a little on the sore spot before bed.
- Brush gently with a soft brush: The NHS leaflet suggests tilting the bristles about 45 degrees toward the gum line and brushing every surface of every tooth. Let the brush do the work.
- Clean around the brackets: The NHS says interdental brushes or single-tufted brushes remove food and plaque from around brackets and behind wires. This protects against decay and gum disease, both causes of sensitivity.
- Add fluoride: Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. The NHS leaflet also suggests a fluoride mouthwash once a day, at a different time from brushing, such as after lunch.
- Eat soft foods after adjustments: The AAO says softer foods make meals more comfortable while teeth feel sensitive. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Cut apples and carrots into small pieces.
- Use wax and simple pain relief: The NHS says to use comfort wax if the brace rubs and to take the same medicine you would take for a headache, following the directions on the label.
- Watch sugar and acid: The NHS advises plain milk or plain water between meals. A Dorset County Hospital leaflet says to wait at least 20 minutes after a fizzy drink before brushing, because acid softens the tooth surface.
- Pause whitening and protect against grinding: Cleveland Clinic suggests a mouth guard if you grind your teeth. Hold off on whitening until treatment ends.
What About Children and Teens?
Braces patients tend to be younger so will also experience soreness in the beginning of treatment. Remind your patient to follow the instructions listed above. Brushing and cleaning between their teeth. If your young patient does not keep their teeth clean they can end up with white spots and cavities that will become sensitive to cold. Have them bring a tooth brush to clean their teeth after meals. The NHS leaflet recommends this.
Rudra Dental Smilelature has pediatric dental services in Salem. Pediatric Dentistry is described as gentle care that children enjoy and focuses on prevention and finding problems at an early age. Which we want to find under braces early.
When Cold Sensitivity Means You Need a Dentist
See your dentist or orthodontist if:
- Sensitivity gets worse over time. The Benco source says worsening cold sensitivity deserves a dental visit.
- Soreness lasts longer than a week after fitting or adjustment.
- You see white or brown marks near the brackets.
- Your gums look red, swollen, or bleed.
- A bracket or wire breaks or pokes.
- One tooth reacts far more than the others.
Cleveland Clinic says to make an appointment if your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something, and it notes that sensitivity can come from worn enamel, gum recession, cavities, or recent dental work. Do not guess. A short exam sorts it out.
What Your Dentist or Orthodontist Can Do
Depends on what is causing it. The Cleveland Clinic states that you can use toothpaste that will desensitize your teeth, fluoride and dentin sealant which stops the pain from reaching your brain. If it’s from a cavity you would have to get a filling or more. You would have to see your dentist if it’s caused by gum disease and practice good hygiene at home. Your orthodontist can fix or change your appliance.
Rudra Dental Smilelature offers orthodontics with custom made braces and aligners. They also offer Invisalign and Root canal to help if your tooth has become infected. They offer regular appointments which should be continued when you have your brace on. As mentioned in the NHS leaflet make sure you continue to visit your dentist while wearing your brace. Consult your dentist to see what may work for you.
Conclusion
Try to give your teeth about a week. Brush them lightly, keep them clean and use fluoride toothpaste. Maybe try a toothpaste that helps with sensitivity. Use softer foods when your teeth feel more sensitive after your adjustments. Do not try to whiten your teeth at this time.
If the sensitivity does not go away or starts to get worse you should make an appointment. The staff at Rudra Dental Smilelature in Salem would be happy to look at your teeth and gums. Any licensed dentist or orthodontist will be able to help you. Sensitivity from braces is very normal but something you should never disregard if it’s continuing to increase.
FAQs
Is tooth sensitivity to cold normal with braces?
Mild sensitivity is common, especially after fitting and adjustments. The pressure that moves teeth also makes them tender. If it fades within a week, it is usually normal. Worsening or one-tooth pain needs a dental exam.
How long does braces sensitivity last?
Most soreness fades within a few days. An NHS hospital leaflet says teeth can be sore for about three to five days after fitting. If your brace still hurts after a week, call your orthodontist or dentist.
Can I use sensitive toothpaste with braces?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic says desensitizing toothpaste can reduce pain, and it suggests fluoride products to strengthen teeth. Keep brushing gently around brackets, and ask your dentist to recommend a brand.
Do braces damage teeth?
The brace itself will not, according to a Queen Victoria Hospital NHS leaflet. Food debris and plaque left around it can cause decay and gum disease. Thorough cleaning protects your enamel and keeps sensitivity down.
When should I call about braces sensitivity?
Call if sensitivity worsens, lasts beyond a week, or comes with white marks, swollen gums, or a broken bracket. Those signs point to decay, gum trouble, or appliance problems rather than normal adjustment soreness.