Cold weather can make your teeth feel achy or extra sensitive. Your five-star Oak Park dentist is here to help explain why this happens and how to protect your smile during the winter months.
With the right tips and care, you can stay comfortable even on the coldest days. Have more questions about seasonal tooth sensitivity? Dial (708) 383-0330 to consult Dr. Thomas Wegner at Town and Country Dental of Oak Park, IL, today!
Why Cold Weather Affects Your Teeth
If you’re one of the almost 30% of adults who experience tooth sensitivity, you might notice it getting worse as the seasons change. Here’s why:
Cold temperatures can cause tiny changes in your teeth. Enamel, the outer layer of teeth, expands in heat and contracts in cold. These small movements can expose the sensitive layer under the enamel. When that layer is exposed, cold air or a cold drink can cause fast, sharp pain.
Your Oak Park dentist will usually check your enamel to see if it has thinned over time. Thin enamel makes teeth more likely to feel sensitive in cold weather.
Enamel Loss and Sensitivity
Enamel protects your teeth from hot and cold temperatures. When enamel becomes weak, it no longer shields the dentin underneath. Dentin contains small tubes that connect to the nerves. Cold air can pass through these tubes and trigger pain.
Many things can weaken enamel, including:
- Brushing too hard
- Enjoying too many acidic foods and drinks
- Grinding your teeth at night
- Gum recession
Your Oak Park dentist can help find the cause and offer simple ways to protect and strengthen your enamel.
Gum Recession and Cold Air Pain
Gum recession is another common cause of cold-weather sensitivity. When gums pull back, the root becomes exposed. Roots do not have enamel, so they react strongly to cold temperatures.
If you feel pain when cold wind hits your teeth, your gums may be part of the problem. An Oak Park dentist can examine your gums and suggest treatments to reduce sensitivity and prevent further recession.
Common Winter Triggers for Tooth Sensitivity
According to our Oak Park dentist, other factors that can trigger tooth sensitivity in the winter include:
Breathing Cold Air
You may breathe through your mouth while walking outside. Cold air touches your teeth and causes a quick shock. Wearing a scarf can help warm the air before it reaches your teeth.
Hot Drinks After Cold Exposure
Going from cold weather to a hot drink can make your enamel react quickly. These fast temperature changes add stress to sensitive teeth.
Sinus Pressure
It is common to develop sinus issues during colder months. So, if you have a sinus infection or bad allergies, you might notice that your upper teeth hurt more. This is due to the pressure building in the sinus cavity.
When to Visit Your Oak Park Dentist
If your teeth feel sensitive for more than 10 days or the pain becomes stronger, it is a good idea to schedule a visit with Dr. Wegner. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can be linked to cavities, damage, or gum disease. Your Oak Park dentist can identify the cause and create a plan to help you feel better.
Keep Your Smile Comfortable All Season Long with Thomas W. Wegner, D.D.S.
Winter tooth sensitivity is common, but you do not have to suffer through it. Click here to get help from your favorite Oak Park dentist, or call Town and Country Dental of Oak Park, IL, at (708) 383-0330 to keep your smile comfortable in any weather.