Do you ever feel like your teeth more when it is cold outside? It might be because your teeth become more sensitive during the winter. Yes, it is a real thing. Just like when you experience sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages, you might experience pain associated with sensitivity when breathing the cold New York winter air.
There are several reasons why this happens, including tooth decay, worn-out dental filling, exposed dentin, and damaged teeth due to teeth grinding. Cold weather sensitivity is usually a red flag and a sign that you should get your dental health checked. If your tooth has undergone severe decay, visit a Middle Village, Queens emergency dentist today.
Contraction and expansion
Did you know that just like metal, your teeth can expand and contract in extreme temperatures? Your front teeth can be exposed to temperatures as extreme as 120 degrees. This may sound like a lie but think about the temperature difference between a hot coffee and a bowl of chilled ice cream. This can be pretty rough on your teeth.
As your teeth adjust to the changing temperatures, they can undergo tiny cracks. While these are usually not a subject of concern because they do not affect the structure and strength of your tooth, they can cause sensitivity and discomfort. The discomfort can be even worse for people with amalgam fillings since metal expands and contracts more than natural teeth.
Can you prevent tooth sensitivity caused by cold weather?
During the winter months, the temperature can go as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit in Queens, NY. Thankfully, there are ways to stop feeling like your teeth will fall out every time you breathe in cold air. Keeping optimal dental health is the easiest way to do this.
Brush twice a day and floss before bed to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Change your toothbrush every two to three months to make sure you are not using a worn-out one.
Choose your toothbrush and toothpaste carefully. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles. There are various types of toothpaste available on the market, but make sure to buy one approved by the ADA. You will most likely find a seal on the package. You can also ask your dentist to recommend one based on your specific needs.
Finally, do not neglect to visit the dentist every six months or one year for regular check-ups. If you have dental problems that you need to address, your dentist will be the first one to know.
Moreover, you must also pay attention to your diet. While it is normal to want to sip a cup of hot chocolate during the winter, keep your sugar consumption to a minimum. Sugary items can worsen a case of tooth sensitivity.
Three ways to cope with cold-related sensitivity
Here are three ways to cope with your cold weather-related sensitivity:
- Take care of your enamel: Your enamel is the protective top layer of your teeth. When people feel sensitivity, it is because they have a weakened enamel. You can use toothpaste designed to strengthen your enamel and follow dietary changes to protect your enamel from further worsening.
- Do not ignore acute pain: If you normally do not experience tooth sensitivity when drinking/eating hot or cold foods but have tooth pain when you go outside in the winter, it is concerning. Sometimes, your pain might not be related to your teeth at all. It could be your sinuses, a gum disease, or an ear infection.
- Keep your mouth warm: Sometimes, you can still be sensitive after taking all those steps. One suggestion is to try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. Opening your mouth lets more air in.
Contact a dentist’s office.
Cold weather is a favorite time of the year for many people, but it can cause dental problems as well. To prepare yourself for the next harsh winter in New York, visit your dentist today!
