Winter brings along many changes, and our teeth don’t escape that reality. Have you ever wondered why your teeth hurt during this season? In this article, you will find a couple of reasons why.
1) Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity isn’t an issue that we only have to deal with during winter. However, some things are harder to avoid during this season. For example, cold air is in direct contact with your teeth when you are outside. On the other hand, we tend to enjoy hot drinks during winter. Both of these situations, that represent opposite ends in terms of hot and cold, can cause pain in patients with tooth sensitivity.
2) Not wearing enough clothes
Teeth are fairly unprotected from the outside world. They are enclosed in the mouth, which keeps them at a certain temperature. However, this area is very sensitive to temperature changes and doesn’t have a local temperature regulating mechanism. Thus, it is important to cover your mouth and cheeks with a scarf when it is too cold outside to minimize these temperature changes than can cause pain.
3) Defective crowns
Sometimes, experiencing tooth pain can be a sign of underlying oral health issues. One example of this is defective crowns, which don’t protect the nerve and expose it to temperature changes. In these cases, it is important to go to a dentist in Sherwood Park, who can examine you and determine if you need any dental care.
4) Gum disease
Periodontal disease can be a source of pain during the winter months. Thus, if you suffer from it, you should visit a dentist’s office near you to acquire treatment before winter and avoid feeling pain.
5) Cavities
It is no surprise that tooth decay is on this list. Cavities compromise the integrity of your teeth and make them much more sensitive to temperature changes because in some cases they expose the nerve. This is why it is important to have excellent oral health habits and visit a dentist near you every 6 months to ensure you don’t suffer from tooth decay. By doing so, you can prevent any further complications.
6) Breathing through your mouth
This habit causes tooth pain because it constantly exposes your teeth to the cold winter air. As previously stated, your teeth are very sensitive to temperature changes, and these can elicit pain. This is why it is recommended to breathe through your nose, which will certainly decrease the pain. However, if you are still experiencing pain after following this advice, it may be a sign that there is an underlying issue and you should go to a dental office in Sherwood Park for an examination.
7) Damaged enamel
The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. Its main function is to protect its integrity. Many things can damage the enamel and expose your teeth to the cold temperatures. To avoid this and preserve your enamel you should avoid acidic foods and drinks, and only brush your teeth with soft bristle toothbrushes.
8) Damaged fillings
Fillings are used to fill cavities. These are not meant to last forever, and you should have them routinely checked. A damaged filling can expose the nerve and as a result, cause pain.
9) Teeth whitening
It is a good idea to avoid teeth whitening during the winter. This procedure normally causes tooth sensitivity for a couple of days, and adding the cold winter air to this equation is bound to cause tooth pain.
10) Clenching and grinding
Something that shouldn’t be overlooked is people who clench their jaws and grind their teeth during sleep, as these behaviors can also cause tooth pain.