How Winter Weather Can Cause Toothaches and Sensitivity

Weather sensitivity can occur regardless of how you care for your teeth, but you're at greater risk if you don't practice good oral hygiene and live in an area that has extreme temperature swings. To minimize sensitivity, you should learn about the common causes for sensitive teeth and what you should do when you notice pain because of cold weather.

COMMON CULPRITS RESPONSIBLE FOR SEASONALLY SENSITIVE TEETH

Your dentin could be exposed for a number of reasons. People often wear down their enamel or suffer from receding gums and tooth sensitivity because one of the following reasons:

• Periodontal disease: Diseases of the gums, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone can expose the dentin and cause sensitivity. Gingivitis is one of the earliest stages of periodontal disease.
• Brushing too vigorously: You may think that you need to bear down hard to remove surface stains, but brushing with too much force can start to wear down your enamel.
• Clenching and grinding: Some people may clench or grind their teeth in their sleep. This can wear down enamel and lead to sensitivity.
• Tooth Decay: Sensitivity to cold is an early sign of an undetected tooth decay problem. If you start to experience tooth pain, go see a dentist.
• Tooth Whitening agents: Have you started a new tooth-whitening agent? The ingredients that make your teeth whiter may strip surface stains and start wearing down your enamel. If the agent starts hurting your teeth, stop the treatment and consult with your dentist.
• Acidic beverages: Sodas, coffee, tea, and other drinks with high concentration of acid, such as juices, can erode your teeth and expose the dentin layer.
• Other lifestyle habits: Other bad oral habits, such as using tobacco products or not brushing or flossing properly, can cause your gums to recede. When this happens, the dentin at the base of the gums is exposed and can lead to temperature-sensitive teeth.

TRY THESE FIXES FOR YOUR SENSITIVE TEETH

• A fluoride application: Fluoride is a natural mineral that a dentist can apply to your sensitive teeth. This application strengthens the enamel and thus prevents sensitivity because of exposed dentin.
• Covering root surfaces: A dentist can apply a filling to fix problems with receding gums.
• Making a night guard: If you clench or grind your teeth , a dentist can make a night guard to prevent you from damaging your teeth in your sleep. This can help with jaw pain as well.
• Root canal treatment: During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the soft pulp inside the damaged tooth. This is recommended to fix issues with deep decay or a cracked or chipped tooth.

WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST

You should see a dentist whenever you experience tooth sensitivity. This is also necessary if you need a more complex solution, such as a night guard. A dentist can also determine exactly which teeth are exposed to sensitivity and recommend an appropriate treatment or prescribe a special toothpaste or similar product. Finally, if your teeth are especially sensitive, a dentist can schedule a root canal, filling, or other advanced procedure.

Weather you're just starting to struggle with sensitivity or always have issues in the cold weather, its worth visiting your dentist and finding a solution to resolve your pain.