Cold weather affects many areas of the body, and your teeth are no exception. Extreme cold can lead to small cracks in your teeth over time, which exposes the material beneath your enamel, known as dentin. Dentin is covered in nerve fibers, meaning that your teeth can be sensitive to and feel sensations.
Certain factors such as having periodontal disease, grinding or clenching your teeth at night, suffering from tooth decay, or whitening your teeth often may make your teeth even more sensitive in winter due to exposed dentin. However, even without being predisposed to these issues, you may still experience tooth sensitivity in the winter.
Breathe in Through Your Nose
A simple, easy way to avoid cold-weather-related tooth pain is to breathe in and out through your nose. If you keep your mouth closed whenever you’re outside faced with cold weather and winds, the cold won’t even have the opportunity to reach your teeth or gum line.
Avoid Jaw Clenching
Tensing up when you get cold is a natural reaction, which may include clenching your jaw. However, try to notice when you clench your jaw so you can avoid doing it. Clenching it can cause tooth and jaw pain, including cracks and erosions if you continuously grit them in the cold.
Protect Your Enamel
Protecting your enamel from breaking down can help calm some of the pain or irritation your teeth feel from the cold winter air. One great way to protect your enamel is by switching to a sensitive, fluoride-based toothpaste. Other ways to protect your enamel include avoiding teeth whitening treatments, keeping away from acidic drinks and foods, not chewing anything abrasive such as ice, and making sure to floss and brush every day.
While you should already be engaging in these dental hygiene practices as an orthodontic patient, be extra vigilant about your routine when it comes to winter tooth pain.
Pay Attention to Your Sinuses
Sinus issues may also connect to your tooth pain. If you have inflamed sinuses, the pain from that can travel into your nasal cavity and throat, making you think that you have tooth pain. The cold weather can cause symptoms you may mistake for allergies, which then lead to phantom tooth issues.
Warm Beverages
A warm beverage can be a great way to warm up your cold teeth. If you know you’ll be outside for a while and are able to, sip on some hot coffee or tea, or even just let the steam from a hot cup of water make its way into your mouth.
Make an Appointment With Griffin Ortho
While tooth pain from extreme cold is normal, if it’s persistent or becomes worse, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. Especially if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to make sure nothing is wrong with your braces or Invisalign that’s preventing you from making progress. To make an appointment with our affordable orthodontist in Oak Creek, WI, call us today!
