News

If the long-range weather forecast is to be believed, the UK could experience its coldest winter in

10 years. While you can prepare for this by wearing extra layers of clothes when you’re outside,

what about your teeth? Did you know that the cold weather can affect them too?

We’ve probably all experienced pain in a sensitive tooth when something too hot or too cold

comes into contact with that part of our mouth but it’s not just diet that can cause discomfort of

this type. Cold weather can also cause tooth pain.

Yes, it’s true! Teeth expand and contract in response to extreme heat and cold. Over time this can

lead to tiny cracks in the tooth enamel which expose the dentin beneath. This is essentially the

core of your tooth and is covered by enamel on the visible surface and by your gums at the base.

When the dentin loses its protective layer of enamel, it leaves the inner system of nerves and cells

open to attack from heat, cold, or acidic foods. This causes tooth sensitivity and is similar to the

pain you may have felt from cavities or gum disease. As a result, if you have any problems with

your gums or tooth enamel, such as periodontal disease, it can leave you more vulnerable to tooth

pain from cold weather.

Sensitivity can occur no matter how good your oral hygiene is, but you’re more at risk if your oral

health is poor or your home county has extreme lows and highs of temperature. To minimise any

sensitivity let’s take a look at what causes sensitive teeth and what you can do if you notice tooth

pain in the cold weather.

Reasons for sensitive teeth

People can wear down their tooth enamel or suffer from receding gums for any number of

reasons, including:

•Periodontal disease

– Severe gum disease can expose the dentin and cause tooth

sensitivity. Bleeding when you brush your teeth is a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum

disease.

•Brushing teeth too hard

– Contrary to popular belief there is no need to brush vigorously to

remove stains on your teeth. In fact, too much force can weaken your enamel and wear it

away.

•Tooth decay

– If your teeth are sensitive to cold then it could be that you have an

undetected problem with tooth decay. If a tooth hurts then visit your dentist as soon as you

can.

•Clenching and grinding –

Some people grind their teeth in their sleep or when they’re

anxious and this can wear away the tooth enamel and cause sensitivity

•Teeth whitening agents

– Who doesn’t want whiter teeth? But if you’ve recently changed

your whitening toothpaste, for instance, and your teeth are starting to hurt, it could be the

ingredients are bypassing the surface stains and beginning to damage your tooth enamel.

Stop the treatment right away and pay your dentist a visit.

•Acidic drinks

– Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, and fruit juices with a high acid concentration can

also erode your teeth and expose your dentin.

•Other lifestyle habits

– Other lifestyle habits such as smoking or not brushing your teeth or

flossing correctly, can impact your gums and cause them to recede. This exposes the dentin

at the base of the gums and can lead to temperature sensitive teeth.

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If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend:

•An application of fluoride

– A thin layer of this natural mineral applied to the surface of

sensitive teeth will strengthen the enamel, guarding against sensitivity from exposed

dentin.

•A sealant

– A fluoride varnish applied to the tooth root surfaces can help fix any problems

associated with receding gums; or your dentist may prescribe a strong toothpaste to

strengthen the root surfaces.

•Root canal treatment

– The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the dentin inside

a tooth that is badly cracked or decayed and causing pain. It’s an alternative to extraction

and may then be covered with a dental crown to strengthen it.

•A custom mouth guard

– If you clench or grind your teeth at night your dentist can custom

a mouth guard which prevents you from damaging your teeth as you sleep. It also helps

relieve any jaw pain you may be experiencing.

It’s worth making an appointment with your dental practice as soon as you can if you’re starting to

feel tooth pain in the cold weather. Your dentist can determine which of your teeth are sensitive

and recommend the appropriate treatment to resolve your pain.

If you have tooth sensitivity or are overdue a check-up then we’re here to help. Call 44 Dental

today on0116 251 9647 to make an appointment.