When the temperature drops, your teeth can experience strange sensations. Some people encounter severe pain or discomfort when it is cold outside. But why does this happen in cold weather? Let us have an overview of how cold weather can affect our teeth and some tips recommended by a dentist near you to protect them.
Why Do Teeth Hurt in Cold Weather?
Teeth are sensitive, just like the rest of our body. They are made of different layers, and the outer layer is called enamel; it is a hard part of the tooth. Underneath the enamel, there is a layer known as dentin, which is softer and more sensitive. Inside the dentine, there are little tubes that connect the tooth’s nerve.
If enamel is eroded or has cracks, cold air can reach the dentin. This stimulates the inside-lying nerve of the tooth, producing a sharp sensitivity ache or discomfort.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity in Cold Weather?
Several factors can make teeth sensitive to cold weather, including:
- Thin enamel: If your enamel is thin, it will not protect the dentin, making your teeth more sensitive. Enamel might wear away over time due to hard brushing, grinding of the teeth, and consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
- Gum recession: The gums around your teeth might sometimes pull back, exposing the roots of your tooth. It might indicate that the roots do not have enamel to protect them, so they are more sensitive to cold temperatures.
- Tooth decay: Small holes may develop in your teeth. When cold air enters your mouth and reaches the dentine, it results in pain.
- Cracked and chipped teeth: A fracture or chip in the tooth can expose the dentin, increasing the tooth’s sensitivity in cold weather.
- Recent dental work: If you have had a recent filling, had a crown placed over a tooth, or undergone dental work where the dentist worked near to dentin, your teeth might be temporarily more sensitive to cold weather.
Tips to Protect Your Teeth in Cold Weather
The good news is that you can follow some precautions to shield your teeth from cold weather sensitivity: Here are some tips to prevent tooth sensitivity in cold weather:
- Use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Special toothpaste is ideal for blocking the pain caused by sensitivity. They function by blocking the tiny tubes in the dentin, making it difficult for cold air to reach the nerve.
- Brush gently: Brushing too hard tends to wear away your enamel, thus making teeth sensitive. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to protect teeth from cold weather sensitivity.
- Wear a Scarf: If you are going out in cold weather, wearing a scarf over your mouth will help to protect your sensitive teeth from the cold air.
- Avoid consumption of cold foods and drinks: If your teeth are sensitive, it’s a good idea to avoid the consumption of cold foods and drinks, such as ice cream or cold water, and more. Since these can impact your teeth in cold conditions, you may feel sensations in them.
- Visit your dentist regularly: When your teeth ache, you must visit your dentist so that they may diagnose and treat problems such as cavities, cracks, and other issues before they become more serious.
When to Visit a Dentist?
Sometimes sensitivity is an indication of a severe problem, so visit your dentist if you consistently have pain or sensation in your teeth from cold weather. They can determine the cause of the pain and recommend the right treatment to address it. It is essential to detect problems early rather than waiting for them to escalate.
Cold weather can likely harm teeth, especially if they are already sensitive. However, by taking care of your teeth and being aware of the cold, you might protect them.
Want to Relief from Sensitive Teeth?
At Charles Martin DDS, we have a team of skilled dentist in South Tampa who help diagnose and treat dental problems early on. We use the latest tools and techniques to provide effective treatment to keep your teeth healthy and strong and address tooth sensitivity. Whether you need a simple cleaning or an advanced dental procedure, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment and take one step toward healthy teeth.