Why Do My Teeth Hurt in Winter?

Winter can be a real bummer. Shorter days, frigid weather, icy roads. And on top of all that misery, so many of our patients find that their teeth hurt more in winter than they do throughout the rest of the year. In this blog post, we’ll explore why that happens, as well as some other common causes of sensitivity.

Tooth Pain & Sensitivity in Winter

Whether you live in a cold climate, or you’re just taking a vacation to a frosty locale, you may notice a difference in your teeth. You’re not imagining it: cold weather can affect the way your teeth feel. Cold temperatures cause the teeth to expand and contract, which will exacerbate any issues you may have such as cavities, enamel loss, and gum disease, causing increased pain and sensitivity. The best thing to do is to prevent these issues from developing or getting worse by keeping up with your oral care routine.

Other Causes of Tooth Pain & Sensitivity

Regardless of your weather, pain and sensitivity are common problems, and they’re known to occur for a variety of different reasons, we’ll list a few below:

Aggressive Brushing. Brushing the teeth with too much pressure can contribute to enamel loss, which makes your teeth vulnerable and sensitive. Sound like you? Look for an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors.

Bruxism. Otherwise known as clenching and grinding your teeth, this issue can also wear away at your teeth. It’s also known to cause your jaw muscle pain. Talk to your dentist about solutions, which may involve wearing a mouthguard.

Teeth Whitening. Some people experience increased pain and sensitivity when whitening their teeth. Looking for a brighter smile? Your best bet is to work with your dentist to obtain it.

Comprehensive Dental Care in North Richland Hills, Texas

If you’re struggling with chronic tooth pain, it’s time to drop us a line. Here at North Richmond Hills Dentistry our passionate team of dental professionals will move quickly to pinpoint the cause of your pain or sensitivity and address it before the problem progresses. Contact us to learn more about all we have to offer at our practice!