People who have sensitive teeth tend to dread the winter months because of the worsening pain they experience in their teeth this time of the year. A lot of people suffer from tooth sensitivity, and they assert that the pain tends to increase as the temperature decreases.
Why Winter Intensifies Sensitive Teeth
The cold winter season does magnify tooth pain. When something is influenced by temperature changes, it is called thermal stress. Teeth have two primary layers – the dentin and the enamel. The enamel is the thick outer coating of your teeth, whilst the dentin is the softer, inner layer.
Now, the reason why the cold weather wreaks so much havoc on teeth is because these layers expand and contract as temperature changes. Unfortunately, dentin expands and contracts quicker than enamel, causing microscopic cracks in your teeth. These fissures can be extremely sensitive and excruciating.
The Root of Tooth Sensitivity
To help you avoid experiencing tooth pain this winter, we have put together a handy list of things that cause tooth sensitivity, and what you can do about it:
Vigorous Brushing
Some people think that they have to brush really hard in order to get squeaky clean teeth clean. On the contrary, brushing aggressively can hurt teeth. Forceful brushing breaks down the enamel coating on your teeth, making them more sensitive to the elements.
Grinding Teeth
A lot of people grind their teeth in their sleep. Grinding of teeth is also a frequent cause of enamel breakdown. When the enamel weakens, sensitivity is inevitable.
Cavities or Loose Fillings
Occasionally, teeth feel sensitive because a cavity or a loose filling has exposed a nerve. If there is tooth nerve exposure, things like hot or cold drinks and sticky food can get in contact with the tooth and propel a shooting pain throughout the mouth. Make sure that you visit a dentist regularly in order to avoid any unnecessary pain.
Receding Gum Lines
Your gums shelter the roots of your teeth; hence, if they start to recede, you will likely feel some discomfort when drinking hot or cold beverages, or even when breathing frigid winter air.
How to Stop the Pain
There are many simple ways to help relieve some of that nagging tooth pain. Check out these simple at-home solutions:
Floss. Include flossing to your daily tooth care routine. Flossing invigorates your gums, preventing them from receding.
Use a soft toothbrush. You don’t need to hard scrub your teeth to make them clean. All you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush, and then brush your teeth very gently for two minutes twice a day. It might feel like it isn’t enough, but you will be doing your teeth a huge favor.
Use fluoride. Choose a toothpaste brand that has fluoride.
Use mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash 2 to 3 times a day to develop a protective coat on your teeth.
Use toothpaste that is appropriate to your teeth’s needs. There are people who have teeth that are more sensitive to regular toothpaste. Use toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth such as Sensodyne.
Keep away from acidic beverages. Drinks, such as fruit juices and soda, could break down the enamel on your teeth, triggering sensitivity.
Hide your teeth from the elements when outdoors. Put on a scarf over your mouth whenever you are out during the winter months, and breathe through your nose. This would help warm up the air you are inhaling, and keep the cold air from getting to your teeth and causing microscopic cracks.
Wear a night guard. If you grind your teeth, an easy solution is to buy a night guard and wear it at bedtime.
If your tooth pain refuses to go away after trying some of the above solutions, you should go see a dentist to check for gum disease or periodontal issues.
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