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Why You Get "Brain Freeze" and What It Means for Your Teeth

teens eating icecreamWhether you’re cooling off with a frosty cone from Gypsy Scoops or sipping a frozen latte from Salter Bros. Coffee you may quickly experience that jolt in the center of your forehead. Yep, it’s the classic brain freeze.

Here’s what you may not know: the pain doesn’t actually start in your head. It begins when something cold touches the roof of your mouth. That sudden chill causes blood vessels to tighten and then quickly expand.

“This change signals the trigeminal nerve, which also handles sensations in your teeth and face. Your brain gets confused and thinks the pain is coming from your forehead,” says Dentist  Joseph Reed.

What It Says About Your Teeth

Fortunately, most brain freezes are harmless and fade within seconds. But if cold foods or drinks regularly make your teeth ache, it could be a sign of:

  • Enamel wearing thin
  • Gum recession exposing tooth roots
  • Tooth decay or tiny cracks

These issues can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and should not be ignored.

How We Can Help

Dr. Reed brings more than 30 years of experience helping patients protect and restore their smiles. If you notice sensitivity, we will take a look and identify the cause, whether it is enamel loss, decay, or something else. Then we will recommend the best solution.

“If you’re getting brain freeze often, it’s probably just part of enjoying a treat,” says Dr. Reed. “But if cold drinks or ice cream make your teeth ache, that’s your mouth telling you something.”

We offer same-day care and in-house solutions like protective coatings or custom restorations to help you feel better fast (and still enjoy your favorite frozen treats).

Quick Tip to Avoid Brain Freeze: Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth or sip warm water to ease the sudden temperature change.

Feeling a Bit Sensitive?

If you experience a twinge of tooth pain when you consume cold foods or drinks, your teeth may be trying to tell you something. Contact us at Arlington Dental to book an appointment.

Schedule a Checkup Today

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