A lot of individuals like winter since it is peaceful, warm, and beautiful in the morning. But to others, winter also causes sudden toothache. The sensation of a sudden shock when you take cold water, air, or something sweet will occur. This is a sharp, abrupt and uncomfortable pain. It can be a matter of a few seconds or can remain. This is known as winter tooth sensitivity, and this is very prevalent during cold seasons.
Tooth sensitivity in winter is an issue that is experienced by all ages. You can feel it even in case your teeth seem to be okay on the surface. Cold weather makes the reaction of the tooth nerves higher, and the teeth become more sensitive than normal. Many complain of pain during brushing or eating cold foods. The positive thing about this issue is that it can be easily dealt with through proper care, minor lifestyle modifications, and early diagnosis.
Dental Sense provides answers to the question of why the sensitivity of teeth is more severe during winter, what causes its occurrence, and how you can alleviate the pain with simple and effective home remedies in this blog. You will also get to know when to go to the dentist and how to take care of your teeth in winter.
What Is Winter Tooth Sensitivity?
Winter toothache refers to the condition of having pain in your teeth when they are subjected to cold air, cold beverages or even a sudden shift in temperature. This is the pain that is normally caused by an inner nerve of the tooth. Once the layer that protects the tooth is weak or damaged, the cold finds it easy to affect the nerve. This produces a quick pain that resembles a mini electric shock.
This sensitivity in you may occur during brushing, breathing through the mouth, consuming some food, or even speaking during cold weather. This suffering is disregarded by many people, as it passes within a few seconds. Despite this, neglecting it may cause more significant problems with dentistry in the future.
Sensitivity of the teeth to cold in winter is not a disease per se. A pointer that you have to take better care of your teeth. It indicates that either your enamel, gums or nerves are becoming weak. When timely addressed, the pain subsides within a short time.
Why Tooth Sensitivity Gets Worse in Winter
Cold weather is also a significant contributor to the sensitivity of teeth. It is not only those individuals who experience no dental problems in the rest of the year, but they often experience sudden pain in the winter. This is due to the fact that cold conditions alter the nature of your teeth and gums. The reasons most commonly used are:
Cold Air Shrinks the Tooth Surface
A change in temperature causes expansion and contraction of teeth. During winter, the air is cold, and thus the tooth surface will shrink a little bit. It is this case of contraction that pressurises the inner nerves and causes them to respond more quickly. This is what makes you feel that even when you breathe cold air, you feel sensitive.
Enamel Becomes More Sensitive
The effects of winter are aggravated by thin or weak enamel. The cold gets into the tooth structure with ease when the enamel wears either as a result of brushing hard or as a result of acidic foods, or as a result of age. This issue is more evident during winter due to an increase in the responsiveness of enamel.
Dehydration in Winter
During cold months, people consume little water. Water intake is low, thereby decreasing the amount of saliva. Saliva also coats your teeth, creating a natural shield. With a lack of enough saliva, your teeth are likely to be dry and exposed to sensitivity.
Gum Recession Increases Pain
Winter dryness affects gums. The gums can also contract or draw back a little bit and reveal the tooth roots. There is no enamel in the root surface, and hence it reacts more to cold air and cold food. This is among the key causes of people having sensitive teeth during winter.
Mouth Breathing
During winter, people inhale using their mouths because their noses are blocked. The teeth are in direct contact with cold air, and they become quickly sensitive and painful.
Common Causes Behind Sensitive Teeth in Winter
Winter sensitivity usually happens because of underlying dental issues. These problems may stay hidden during other seasons but become noticeable in cold weather.
Enamel Erosion
The enamel is weakened by acidic foods, juices, sweets and soft drinks in the long run. When the enamel is washed away, one can find out that the inner part of the tooth is being more exposed. This is aggravated by the winter temperature.
Tooth Decay
Pits enable the entry of cold air and cold food to the inmost regions of the tooth. Big pain in winter, even in little holes.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Cracks as small as they are might not cause any harm during summer, but when winter comes, the cracks may lead to a lot of sensitivity. Sudden temperature changes can be detected in the nerve fast, and the cracks enable this.
Worn-Out Fillings
The old fillings can leak or even rupture. Exposure to cold weather provokes pain in case the fillings have not been sealed.
Gum Disease
Tooth roots are exposed as a result of infection or inflammation of the gums. This contributes significantly to tooth sensitivity in the winter season in adults.
Teeth Grinding
Poor sleep or stress is the cause of grinding. Weakness of enamel through grinding causes greater pain during the winter.
Symptoms You Should Watch For
Sensitivity of teeth in the winter may manifest itself in various forms. Look for these signs:
- Pain due to breathing in cold air is sharp.
- Pain during the consumption of cold water is sudden and shock-like.
- Discomfort while brushing
- Pain when eating sweets
- The sensation of tingling around some teeth.
- Sensitivity of hot food to cold food.
When these symptoms occur on a daily basis, it is time to take quick action to cure your tooth enamel or gums.
Simple Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth in Winter
Winter sensitivity is easily controlled at home using natural and safe solutions. These solutions will aid in the minimisation of pain and even the strengthening of your teeth.
Use a Desensitising Toothpaste
Toothpaste desensitisation prevents the nerve impulses. Apply twice daily to achieve constant relief.
Warm Water Rinse
Use warm water in place of cold water to rinse your mouth. It decreases strain on the nerves and eliminates irritation.
Saltwater Gargle
Salt has curative powers. Wash twice daily by rinsing in a mixture of one teaspoon of salt in warm water. This minimises the inflammation of the gums.
Clove Oil Application
Clove oil produces the effect of a natural pain reliever. Rub a little around sensitive places when in need of quick relief.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Restrict citrus, soda, vinegar and spicy. The foods undermine enamel and make one susceptible to winter.
Use a Soft-Bristle Brush
Hard Brushes- hard brushes rupture the enamel and the gums. During cold months, a soft brush is used to cover the surface of teeth.
Stay Hydrated
Take adequate water to keep the mouth watered. Saliva makes your teeth hard, and it also makes you less dry.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride enhances weak enamel and lessens the sensitivity of teeth.
Apply Honey and Warm Water
Honey possesses anti-bacterial qualities. Add one spoon of honey into warm water and rinse. This soothes gums.
Avoid Mouth Breathing
Attempt to breathe with your nose so that your teeth are not exposed to cold air.
These domestic treatments of the tender teeth help alleviate winter pain without medications.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity During Winter
Discomfort can be avoided through prevention. These are some of the simple steps that can be used to ensure the safety of your teeth during the winter.
Brush Gently and Correctly
The overbrushing dilutes enamel. Take slow strokes and have your brush at an angle of 45.
Do Not Rinse Immediately After Brushing
The fluoride in your toothpaste should be left to remain on your teeth for a few minutes.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Foods
Hot food should not be combined with cold drinks. Shocking changes in temperature make nerve pain more severe.
Use a Mouthguard
In case you grind your teeth during the night, a mouthguard is used to prevent damage to the enamel.
Maintain Regular Dental Checkups
Go to the dentist once every six months to monitor the health of enamel and gums.
Avoid Sugary Snacks
The effect of sugar on the teeth and enamel is increasing bacteria and depleting enamel. Because of winter cravings, one may eat more sugary foods, so be cautious.
Keep Your Mouth Covered
Wear a mask or a scarf when outside. It serves to keep your teeth off the cold air.
When You Should Visit a Dentist
There are those cases that cannot be handled at home. You need to go to Dental Sense, in case:
- The pain lasts longer than one month
- Sensitivity becomes worse daily
- You feel pain while chewing
- You notice bleeding gums
- Your tooth feels loose
- You see cracks or holes in your teeth
A dentist would be able to diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment such as fluoride coating, bonding, scaling, root planning or fillings.
How Dental Sense Helps Treat Winter Tooth Sensitivity
In Dental Sense, we deal with current technology and highly qualified dentists in treating sensitivity. We examine the thickness of enamel, gums, cavity and nerves.
We offer treatments like:
- Desensitising fluoride application
- Gum treatment for recession
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Night guards
- Professional cleaning
- Enamel strengthening treatments
Our goal is to reduce your pain and protect your teeth long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does tooth sensitivity increase in winter?
Cold air affects enamel and exposed roots, making the nerves more reactive.
Are home remedies safe?
Yes, most home remedies are safe and helpful when used correctly.
Which foods make sensitivity worse?
Acidic foods, cold snacks, and sugary items can increase sensitivity.
Can winter tooth sensitivity be cured?
Yes. Proper care and treatment reduce sensitivity over time.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the cause. Many people feel relief within a week.
Is it safe to drink cold water in winter?
If you have sensitivity, it is better to avoid very cold drinks.
Which toothpaste is best for sensitive teeth?
A good desensitising toothpaste can reduce pain and protect enamel.
Conclusion
Winter is beautiful, comfortable and warm. However, it may also cause unpleasantness in the shape of winter tooth sensitivity. Knowing the issue will make it easier to deal with it. Basic at-home preventive measures, healthy care at home, and in good time dental care can help to keep your teeth healthy throughout the year.
In case your sensitivity to winter always comes back, or your sensations are too strong, Dental Sense will be glad to assist you with qualified advice and treatment.
Smile. This winter, keep your smile safe. To be warm, to be well, to take care of your teeth.
