We all know that as the weather gets colder we’re more likely to experience runny noses and (for the grown-ups among us) creaky joints. But did you know that some people actually report that their teeth feel different in the winter?
As temperatures drop you may find that your teeth feel more sensitive, and are prone to discomfort. Our O’Fallon dentists are here to explain why this happens, and to help you manage sensitivity.
If your dental enamel is thinner, you will find that your teeth are more sensitive to temperature changes. This is because the nerves within your tooth structure are more exposed than they should be. Something as simple as walking outside and being hit with a blast of cold air can lead to tooth pain. Conversely, if you start sipping a hot beverage while you’re out in chilly weather, you may likewise experience discomfort.
The first thing that you can do is to minimize the number of extreme temperature changes to which your smile is exposed. Lukewarm drinks, for example, will be less jarring for your dental nerves than hot liquids.
Additionally, there are toothpastes and mouth rinses that are specially formulated to dull sensitivity and keep you comfortable. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate formulation for your smile. Your dentist may also encourage you to undergo in-office fluoride treatments or to use a toothpaste with a high concentration of fluoride in order to strengthen dental enamel, which thus lessens sensitivity.
Dental sensitivity can keep you from enjoying your favorite foods and drinks; our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you manage this issue and get on with your life! Call our office to learn more about how dental sensitivity develops, and what we can do about it. And, in the meantime, take it easy on that hot cocoa!