Longmeadow Family Dental Care Longmeadow Family Dental Care

Cold weather is right around the corner. Will the cold make your teeth hurt?

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First of all, understand that you are one of many people who experience tooth sensitivity with the onset of cold weather. Fact, is, colder temperatures can cause your teeth to hurt. That’s why it’s important to understand why this happens and what you can do about it.

The Root Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

As we get older, our teeth can become more sensitive to cold. But before we assign all the blame to the cold and our age, we need to think about what other factors may be present. Such as:

  • Grinding your teeth
    Continuous grinding or clenching can wear down the enamel on your teeth and begin to expose dentin. Dentin contains tubes that are connected to the nerves of your teeth, causing cold air and cold foods to be especially painful.
  • Mouthwash
    Since a lot of mouthwashes may contain alcohol, they could contribute to the wearing down of the enamel and expose sensitive areas of your teeth. You may want to consider swapping your mouthwash for a fluoride rinse that is alcohol-free.
  • Recent dental work
    Of course, sometimes it may take a short while for sensitivity to subside after a dental procedure such as having a filling, crown, or root canal. If the sensitivity doesn’t go away after about a month, contact your dentist.
  • Brushing too hard
    Brushing too hard can have the same effect as grinding your teeth. Always choose soft bristles or consider using an electric toothbrush to help you control the amount of pressure you apply when brushing.
  • Gum disease, or gingivitis
    When the gums separate from your teeth due to an active infection in your mouth, areas of your teeth are exposed that may be especially sensitive.
  • Tooth decay
    If there are areas of active decay in your mouth, they will be especially sensitive. If you have one specific area that suddenly becomes very sensitive, call your dentist to make an appointment right away.

Alleviating Your Tooth Sensitivity

If your teeth seem to be affected by the cold, and even cold beverages, you may wish to try a sensitivity toothpaste. But you will need to use it regularly and not over-rinse your mouth after brushing.

Of course, with any dental problems you or your family encounter, the best course of action is to get checked out by the professionals at Longmeadow Family Dental Care.