When the temperatures drop, we bundle up in jackets, toques, and gloves to keep warm. Although this helps against the frigid Mississauga winters, you can’t wrap your teeth in a scarf when the weather gets cold.
This is bad news if you experience tooth sensitivity in cold weather! The bite of freezing cold air can cause your teeth to ache, resulting in pain and discomfort. However, what’s behind this painful phenomenon?
What causes tooth sensitivity in general?
Tooth sensitivity occurs as a result of exposed dentin. Dentin is the tooth layer beneath the outer enamel, which contains connections to the nerves and cells located deep inside the tooth.
The enamel functions as a protective layer, safeguarding the tooth from temperature changes and bacterial attacks. When the enamel wears down, the dentin and its sensitive connective tubules are exposed. You then experience tooth sensitivity as a result.
Why does cold weather make your teeth hurt?
Your teeth are built to handle a wide range of temperatures. Just think about the difference between scoops of ice cream and a bowl of steaming hot soup. Like many other materials, teeth expand and contract with changes in temperature. They contract in the cold and then expand when it’s warm.
This process of expansion and contraction causes tiny cracks to form in your tooth’s protective enamel. This can expose the dentin, that sensitive layer beneath the enamel. In most cases, these do not affect the tooth’s strength or structure and do not require treatment. However, you may still experience some sensitivity and discomfort.
The metal expands and contracts more quickly than natural teeth, so those with amalgam fillings may feel greater discomfort in the cold.
Furthermore, any damage to the tooth enamel makes your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes. Once the dentin is exposed, you will feel temperature fluctuations more acutely. Cold weather, for instance, can cause discomfort and pain in damaged teeth.
What are some other common reasons behind cold weather tooth sensitivity?
Damaged Enamel
Your tooth enamel protects the inner layers of your teeth. Without its protection, the nerves inside your tooth are exposed to the elements and bacterial attacks. You’ll experience sensitivity to temperature changes, become more likely to develop cavities, and feel discomfort when you chew.
Consequently, proper tooth care is essential to protecting your precious enamel. Grinding your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard, eating too many sugary foods, and drinking too many acidic drinks can wear down your enamel, a condition also known as dental erosion.
Seasonal Illnesses
Winter tooth sensitivity can also be caused by seasonal illnesses. During the colder months, people commonly contract more colds, flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory illnesses.
We spend more time inside, in close quarters, with others, which allows viruses to spread more easily. Cold, dry air may also weaken our immune systems. This results in a spike in seasonal illnesses, which can affect tooth sensitivity.
Nasal congestion and respiratory infections often inflame and irritate our sinuses. Inflamed sinuses put pressure on your dental nerves, resulting in tooth pain and sensitivity.
Home Teeth-Whitening Treatments
Unfortunately, home teeth whitening treatments are a common cause of tooth sensitivity.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a brighter, whiter smile. That’s why Mississauga dental clinics like Casa Dental offer professional teeth-whitening services. And if you want to transform the appearance of your smile, we are precisely the place to visit.
Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, professional teeth whitening from an experienced dental clinic will not damage your teeth. At-home teeth-whitening solutions often contain harsh chemicals that can strip the enamel from your teeth, exposing the dentin. If that happens, tooth sensitivity is inevitable.
To make matters even worse, over-the-counter products rarely deliver the desired results. You’ll be left with sensitive teeth and a smile that fails to live up to your expectations.
Instead, contact Casa Dental Clinic for our highly effective and perfectly safe teeth-whitening treatment. Our skilled dentists in Mississauga offer professional products to ensure comfort and safety as you whiten your smile. Safety is always our top focus. You will be able to brighten your smile without damaging your enamel and causing tooth sensitivity.
Aggressive Brushing
Many of our patients mistakenly believe that brushing harder makes their teeth cleaner. This just isn’t the case. In fact, aggressive brushing is actually bad for your teeth. This may seem counterintuitive at first, so allow us to explain.
Overly aggressive brushing can wear down your enamel and expose the sensitive dentin beneath. You can make matters even worse by brushing your teeth immediately after eating.
Always wait one hour to brush your teeth after eating or drinking. Eating and drinking soften tooth enamel, which can be damaged more easily. Brushing too hard too soon can cause serious harm.
When you do start brushing your teeth, take your time. Brush your teeth slowly and gently in tiny circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle away from your teeth.
Low Vitamin D Levels
When your vitamin D levels get too low, it can affect the health of your tooth enamel and gums. Vitamin D plays an important role in absorbing and retaining the calcium and phosphorus for tooth mineralization. When levels are low, your teeth are weakened, making them more susceptible to cavities, fractures, decay, and sensitivity.
In the cold, dark days of winter, we aren’t exposed to as much sunlight. This can cause vitamin D levels to drop (specifically, vitamin D3), and lead to vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiencies are very common during winter, so this is something to be mindful of. Consider supplements if you live in Ontario.
Casa Dental: Your Mississauga Dentist
Casa Dental has two locations: one on Dupont in Toronto and one in Mississauga. Both of our clinics provide high-quality oral care from knowledgeable and compassionate dental teams.
We are dedicated to providing safe, comfortable, and professional dental services. As an experienced, family-friendly dental practice, we take pride in quality care for patients of all ages.
To book an appointment in Toronto, call Casa Dental at 888-920-5324 or contact us here. For a dentist in Mississauga, you can call us at 888-270-8793.
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