As the weather gets cooler, toothaches and sensitivity can be noticed and experienced frequently. The cold temperature and chilly air lead to tiny cracks appearing in your teeth. These hairline fissures weaken the tooth enamel protection to the nerve-laden dentin underneath it.
Such toothaches can be avoided by breathing through your nose rather than your mouth. If you are facing issues of sensitivity and toothaches during the frosty weather, consider visiting your nearest dental clinic for appropriate treatment. Read along to know in detail why does the winter season cause toothaches and sensitivity?
Why do your teeth hurt during winter?
There are several reasons why your teeth hurt during the winter season. Below mentioned are some of them.
● Thinning of tooth enamel
As you get older, your tooth enamel gets thinner and wears away. Your teeth naturally become more sensitive as the nerves in the teeth get exposed. Have you ever experienced pain in your teeth while drinking or eating something that’s cold or hot? The same principle applies here too. When cold air gets in contact with your teeth, you experience an ache or pain.
● Contracting and expanding
When the cold air during winter hits your teeth, it makes your teeth expand and contract. This leads to the formation of minor cracks in your teeth which are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. These cracks themselves don’t cause any irritation or discomfort, but the teeth become sensitive and the sensitivity can be felt while eating or drinking something hot or cold.
● Gum recession
The cold weather of the winter season can cause your gums to recede, causing more exposure to your teeth. This increases the sensitivity as some of the nerves also gets exposed.
How to combat such toothache and sensitivity?
A long-term solution for sensitive teeth during cold weather is to ensure maintaining a proper routine of oral hygiene and cutting back on sugary drinks and foods. If you are facing toothache and sensitivity, below mentioned are some steps that you can take to handle the effects.
● Limit the consumption of acidic foods & drinks
Acidic foods and drinks like carbonated beverages, citrus fruit juices, and wine can gradually dissolve small amounts of tooth enamel which further results in the exposure of nerves and causes pain. But avoiding these things is easier to say than execute. If you are not able to resist a glass of orange juice, prefer using a straw to help limit contact of the fluid with your teeth.
● Brush gently using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste
Using anti-sensitivity toothpaste is typically effective in reducing tooth sensitivity over time. You may not notice the positive effect right away but be patient. Such toothpaste often takes multiple rounds of brushing to yield the desired effect, but ultimately can protect your teeth from getting sensitive to the frosty winter weather.
Additionally, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful not to brush by applying excessive pressure. This can wear down the enamel and create sensitive areas. While brushing, if the bristles on your toothbrush are smashed in various directions, that is a sure sign that you’re brushing with too much force. You can also use an electric toothbrush having a built-in pressure sensor that can help you brush with a safe level of pressure.
● Drink a warm beverage while being in the cold
Drinking your favorite warm drink from a thermos while outside in the cold is a simple way of protecting your teeth from getting affected by the cold air. But be sure the drink is sugar-free or at least low in sugar, and not very hot. Beverages that are extremely hot can make your teeth expand, leading to the formation of cracks, and causing sensitivity.
● Putting a scarf
Wearing a scarf around your face and neck is a simple, yet effective way to help prevent cold air from entering your mouth. It also helps in keeping your lower jaw and neck warm.
Wrapping up
If your teeth sensitivity persists even after performing the above-mentioned steps, it’s better to opt for dental treatment services from the best dental clinic near you. If you are from Gurgaon, the best dental clinic you can visit is The Dental Roots.
We are the one-stop solution for all your dental problems and strive to provide the best dental treatment experience to our patients. Apart from traditional dentistry procedures, we offer cosmetic dental procedures as well at an affordable price. For more information on winter care or any other dental treatment-related information, visit our website.