A quick, sharp pain when you drink something cold is often caused by exposed dentin inside the tooth. This can happen because of worn enamel, gum recession, a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a filling that no longer seals the tooth properly.
If the discomfort goes away as soon as the cold is removed, it may simply be sensitivity. If the pain lingers or becomes more frequent, it’s time to have the tooth evaluated.
Many patients tell us they’ve “always had sensitive teeth.” Sometimes that’s true. Other times, sensitivity is your tooth’s first warning that something has changed.