If you live in Chicago, you know how harsh the winter chill can be. But have you ever noticed that your teeth hurt in cold weather? You鈥檙e not imagining it; when temperatures drop, your teeth can become extra sensitive to the cold air and drastic temperature changes.
In this blog, we鈥檒l explain why this happens and what you can do to protect your smile all winter long.
Why Does Cold Air Hurt My Teeth?
When you step outside into freezing air or sip an icy drink, you might feel a sharp twinge of pain in your teeth. This happens because tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth, naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. People with old metal fillings may experience even higher sensitivity, as metals respond rapidly to temperature changes.
Breathing cold air through your mouth causes blood vessels to contract, as well. This puts pressure on nerves and can intensify discomfort, especially if any tooth dentin is exposed.
Quick temperature changes, like going from your warm home to the cold outdoors, can cause your teeth to feel sore or 鈥渮ingy.鈥� While this discomfort often goes away on its own, persistent sensitivity may signal underlying issues such as enamel erosion, gum recession, or a small crack in your tooth.
Other Common Causes of Cold-Weather Tooth Problems
Temperature Sensitivity Due to Enamel Erosion
If you notice that your teeth hurt when cold air or beverages touch them, you鈥檙e experiencing temperature sensitivity. This can happen when enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath.
Dry Mouth
The combination of cold, dry air outside and heated indoor spaces can dry out your skin, hair, and even your mouth. Saliva production is essential for washing away bacteria that cause cavities and neutralizing acids.
When your mouth is dry, your teeth are more vulnerable to decay, and your gums can become irritated. A dry mouth also increases the risk of tooth sensitivity. All of these factors together can explain why your teeth hurt when cold air hits them.
Certain medications and caffeine intake can make dry mouth worse. Staying hydrated and using sugar-free lozenges can help stimulate saliva flow.
Sinus Pressure or Jaw Pain
If your teeth hurt in cold weather and the pain feels deep or lingers, it could be more than sensitivity. Sinus pressure, often triggered by colds or allergies, can cause pain that radiates into your upper teeth and jaw.
Grinding your teeth (especially during sleep) can also worsen cold-weather tooth pain, as well as cause jaw tension. If you think you might be struggling with this, a night guard may be able to help.
Mouth Sores
Cold weather can also trigger mouth sores, also known as cold sores. Dry, chapped lips and irritation from cold winds can make these sores appear more frequently.
Cold sores are contagious and can add discomfort to an already sensitive mouth, so keeping your lips moisturized and stress levels low is important during the winter months.
Untreated Cavities
If you already have a small cavity, cold temperatures can make it much more painful. When cold air or beverages reach the exposed dentin or nerve inside a decayed tooth, they can cause a sharp, lingering ache.
Untreated cavities allow bacteria to penetrate deeper layers of your tooth, increasing sensitivity and potentially leading to infection or nerve damage. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important not to ignore recurring tooth pain, even if it seems mild.
If your teeth hurt with cold air or you feel sharp pain when eating something cold, it could be a sign of a developing cavity. Early treatment, like a small filling, can stop decay from spreading and prevent more serious dental problems later on.
How To Protect Your Teeth This Winter
You don鈥檛 have to suffer through the cold season with sore teeth. Try these tips to keep your smile healthy and pain-free:
- Always breathe through your nose to reduce cold air exposure. If you鈥檙e dealing with nasal congestion, drink more water to stay hydrated, use a humidifier at home, and try a nasal spray to moisturize your nasal passages.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to protect tooth enamel.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
- Schedule regular dental exams to catch small problems before they become painful.
If you鈥檙e experiencing consistent pain or sensitivity, visit our dental office for an evaluation. Our team can pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and recommend treatments like fluoride applications or dental sealants to protect teeth and strengthen enamel.
Get Relief From Tooth Pain
Don鈥檛 let cold-weather toothaches keep you from enjoying the winter season. If your teeth hurt in winter, our caring team at 51吃瓜网 can help. We鈥檝e been providing personalized dental care and advanced treatments to protect smiles since 2005. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
