Blog Layout

Did You Know Cold Weather Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Michael Wahl • November 12, 2019

Colorado Springs gets fabulous winter weather, and this year we’ve already had several significant snowstorms! Of course, in true Colorado fashion, in just a couple days all that snow melts away. Did you know large swings in outdoor temperature can cause tooth sensitivity for some people? Let’s dig into how this happens, why it happens, and what you can do about it.

Winter Temperatures Change Teeth

Although your teeth seem unchanging, they actually expand and shrink slightly with various temperatures. As you expose your teeth to very hot air or food they expand. When your teeth come in contact with cold foods or temperatures, they contract. These changes are minor, and you may never even notice them. However, quick changes in temperature can make it easier for hairline cracks to form in your dentin, the body of your teeth. This is especially true if you have metal fillings as the expansion and contraction of metal happens at a slightly different speed than bone. As your fillings pull away from your teeth, the sensitive nerves in the dentin are exposed, causing painful sensitivity.

You may wonder why you are just beginning to have trouble with this type of tooth sensitivity when you’ve lived in a similar climate your whole life. A recent study on extracted teeth from children, young adults, and older adults shows that the younger the tooth, the more tolerant it was to the effects of heat. This means you may be more likely to experience problems as you get older.

Identifying the Problem

So, if you’ve suddenly started experiencing tooth sensitivity, how do you know if Jack Frost is to blame? There are many things that can cause tooth sensitivity , but your dentist can help you find a root cause. Your dentist will want to take X-rays and do an oral exam. They will check for signs that you’ve been grinding your teeth or signs of gum recession. It is likely that your dentist will only determine your tooth sensitivity is from cold weather once they’ve eliminated most other common causes.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

There’s not much you can do to prevent cracks from temperature changes. Obviously, keep your mouth closed when you’re outside in really cold weather when possible. Additionally, proper oral hygiene can help keep your gums from receding which will cause tooth sensitivity.  Also, remove any food debris between teeth with dental floss regularly. Food can make the contact points between teeth stressed, and as your teeth change temperature they could increase the pressure on your teeth.

Resolving Tooth Sensitivity

If you have an older filling that is made out of an outdated material, or if the filling seems worn out, your dentist may recommend replacing the filling. You may consider choosing a new material that flexes more naturally with bone. If your tooth sensitivity isn’t near a filling, your dentist will likely recommend switching to sensitive toothpaste for awhile. Additionally, they may apply a varnish in the office to help repair the crack in the enamel and cover the sensitive nerve endings.

 

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity and you’re not sure why, give us a call at 719-633-8766! We have same-day emergency appointments available in Colorado Springs.

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • September 1, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • August 25, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • August 18, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • August 11, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • July 28, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • July 21, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • July 14, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • July 7, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • July 1, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • June 23, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
More Posts
Share by: