‘Tis the season to enjoy fun times with friends and family during the holidays and into the New Year. However, you can’t have any fun or be fun to be around anytime of the year if you are experiencing tooth pain. Tooth pain can strike at any time. However, why does it seem that the cold air makes the pain worse when you have tooth issues in winter?
Is this coincidental, or does cold weather affect dental problems?
This article will explore how cold weather may play a role in increased tooth sensitivity.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
If you have tooth sensitivity when eating really hot or cold foods, chances are you will also experience discomfort during colder months. But why do your teeth experience sensitivity in the first place? Here are some reasons why dental problems may be worse during winter months.
Loss of Enamel
One reason you may experience tooth sensitivity is the lack of enamel on your teeth. The enamel on your tooth may be eroding due to the types of acidic foods and beverages you consume. Additionally, it could be due to the growth of bacteria in your mouth, exposing you to the early stages of gum disease.
Still, another reason you may lack enamel is the type of toothbrush you use. Hard bristle brushes may remove enamel from your teeth, exposing them to sensitivity from hot and cold foods and even sensitivities due to temperature drops. Even if you use a soft bristle brush, brushing too vigorously can damage your enamel. So, be mindful of how much pressure you apply when you are brushing your teeth and gums.
Cavities and Other Openings
Loss of enamel is an issue that can cause tooth sensitivities. But holes in your teeth can also be a reason why you may be experiencing dental problems. If you have cavities, depending on where they are located on your tooth, you could experience pain from cold wind gusts hitting your tooth nerves. Additionally, if you have cracks in your teeth or your fillings have fallen out, this may make your teeth sensitive in cold weather. The cold air may blow into the cracks and holes and affect the nerves, causing extreme tooth pain.
Tooth Grinding
Are you someone who inadvertently grinds your teeth while sleeping? This act could be wearing down enamel and causing tiny holes in your teeth. Unfortunately, solving this problem isn’t as simple as stopping this behavior. Since such actions may not be intentional, you may have to use tools to avoid tooth grinding. This may involve wearing a protective dental guard at night as you sleep to prevent unintentional grinding, which can erode enamel and damage your teeth. Also, minimizing food and drinks with caffeine will help by reducing muscle stimulation which can cause tooth grinding.
Post-Dental-Procedure Sensitivity
You may also be experiencing tooth sensitivity due to a recent dental procedure you may have had. As a result, going out into the cold air with unhealed gums may make your teeth. If you have recently had a serious dental procedure, it may be a good idea to avoid exposure to cold weather outdoors to minimize pain caused by gusts of wind blowing into the sensitive areas of your teeth.
Why Cold Air Affects Your Teeth
Cold air affects your teeth for the same reason that cold or hot foods affect your teeth. It is likely that you are having dental problems that will likely need to be addressed by a dental professional. The issues are enamel loss, tooth decay, cavities, or periodontal disease. In addition, air and food create pain due to exposure. Until you address these issues, your teeth will consistently be vulnerable to temperature changes in food or the air around you.
What To Do About Dental Sensitivity in Cold Months
Is there anything you can do to get the relief you need during the cold months? Here are a few ways to deal with tooth sensitivity when it is cold outside.
What You Can Do
To combat the cold weather, it is a good idea to start with good dental hygiene. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, try to purchase toothpaste specially formulated for tooth sensitivities. Another thing to do is check your toothbrush. If it has been over three months since you changed your toothbrush, now is an excellent time to toss the old and bring in the new. When purchasing a new toothbrush, shop for a soft bristle brush that is less likely to destroy the remaining enamel on your teeth. Finally, if you have been using tooth whiteners, it is a good idea to stop using them until you resolve your dental sensitivity, as they can wear down the enamel on your teeth.
Some other things you can do when you’re actually in the cold air is to breathe through your nose instead of through your mouth. This will allow you to keep cold air from entering and penetrating problem areas of your teeth. Another option is to wear a mouth covering, such as a scarf, to help keep the cold air out of your mouth.
What Professionals Can Do
Ultimately, the best thing you can do to control sensitivity to temperature drops is to visit your dentist. A dental professional can close up the holes and treat any other dental problems causing the sensitivity so that you can get back to normal.
Would you like to schedule a Free dental consultation with an established and trusted dentist in the area? Our Commerce Twp dental office is full-service which means your dental needs will be met in one place. We will address more than your tooth sensitivity, as our services include cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, gum rejuvenation and so much more! Call today to schedule an appointment and get on the path to improving your dental hygiene.