As the temperature drops and winter settles in, you might notice something uncomfortable: a sharp twinge in your teeth when you step outside, or a dull ache after a cold walk. You aren’t imagining it – teeth really can be more sensitive in cold weather.
At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we often see an increase in patients experiencing sensitivity during the winter months. While it’s often a temporary reaction to the chill, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
The Science: Why Cold Air Hurts
Your teeth are surprisingly responsive to temperature changes. When exposed to cold air, the outer layer of your tooth (the enamel) contracts. If you then come inside to a warm room or drink a hot tea, the enamel expands again.
Over time, this constant expansion and contraction can cause tiny, microscopic cracks in the enamel. While usually harmless, these “craze lines” can sometimes deepen, exposing the sensitive layer underneath called dentine.
Dentine is filled with microscopic tubes that lead directly to the tooth’s nerve. When cold air hits exposed dentine, it sends a sharp signal of pain straight to the nerve.
Common Culprits Behind Winter Sensitivity
If you find yourself wincing in the winter wind, one of these factors might be to blame:
- Enamel Erosion: If your protective enamel is worn down (from acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or acid reflux), your teeth have less insulation against the cold.
- Receding Gums: When gums pull back, they expose the root of the tooth. Unlike the crown, the root isn’t covered by hard enamel, making it incredibly sensitive to cold air and drinks.
- Sinus Pressure: Winter is prime time for colds and flu. Because your upper teeth roots sit very close to your sinuses, congestion and inflammation can put pressure on the nerves, leading to a toothache that feels worse in the cold.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Holiday stress can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth, often at night. This wears down enamel and can create tiny chips, making teeth hypersensitive to temperature changes.
- Whitening Treatments: We all want a bright smile for holiday parties, but overusing home whitening kits can temporarily strip enamel of minerals, leaving teeth vulnerable to the winter chill.
How to Protect Your Smile This Winter
You don’t have to suffer through the season. Here are simple ways to reduce sensitivity:
- Breathe Through Your Nose: When you’re outdoors, try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. Your nose warms the air before it reaches your teeth.
- Switch Your Toothpaste: Use a desensitising toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. These ingredients help block the pathways to the nerve, building up protection over time.
- Be Gentle: Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can wear down enamel and irritate gums.
- Watch the Acid: Winter treats like citrus fruits and carbonated drinks can erode enamel. Try to drink water after eating them to neutralise the acid, but best to cut down acidic foods and drinks between meals.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva flow, which naturally protects your teeth and neutralises bacteria.
When to See Us
Occasional sensitivity to extreme cold is often normal. However, if your pain is persistent, throbbing, or lingers long after you’ve warmed up, it could be a sign of a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling.
Don’t let tooth pain ruin your winter festivities. If you are concerned about sensitivity, book a check-up with our friendly team at Kennett Road Dental Practice. We can identify the cause and help you enjoy the season pain-free.
