“Winter bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail,” says an ancient proverb. One particular “bite” of winter is the effect it has on teeth. Cold weather can bring with it several months of snow, ice and teeth discomfort. 


Cold Weather’s Effects on Teeth 

There are several reasons why cold weather affects teeth. First, the large temperature difference between the outside air and the teeth’s temperature can cause pain. This drastic difference may cause the teeth to contract. Once the temperature of the teeth returns to normal, they expand back. This cycle can cause pain called dental allodynia, which is a throbbing tooth pain that occurs when returning back to regular room temperature after being exposed to the cold weather for a long period of time. Second, cold weather may bring teeth discomfort due to the clenching of the jaws in winter temperatures. This tension in the mouth and jaw can result in teeth pain. If it continues, the pressure can even permanently damage teeth. When an individual is clenching their teeth for a long period of time and ignores the issue, they can experience damage to the nerve and blood supply at the apical end of the tooth which may result in killing the tooth. Third, winter weather can cause teeth pain due to its effect on dentin, this is the inner core of a tooth under the outer enamel. The contraction and expansion process can cause microscopic cracks in the tooth’s enamel. This exposes the dentin, which is covered by nerve fibers. These cracks can then produce tooth pain. 


Tooth Symptoms in Cold Weather 

Winter can bring on a variety of uncomfortable tooth symptoms such as the following: 


• Temperature Sensitivity: This is when teeth discomfort occurs due to exposure to extremes in temperature, either hot or cold. 

• Toothaches: Toothaches are the most common type of dental symptom. Sometimes the pain is isolated to a single tooth, and at other times, it is more generalized in a particular area of the mouth. 

• Sharp Pain: The damaging effects of cold weather on teeth can cause stabbing pain in teeth when biting down. This could be the result of a crack in the tooth due to the expansion and contraction process brought on by winter time conditions. 

• Constant Pain: A tooth with a crack and damaged enamel can become vulnerable to bacteria. If bacteria invades the pulp of the tooth, a dental abscess can occur. The result can be severe pain along with swelling and pressure. 


Culprits Responsible for Seasonally Sensitive Teeth 

There are many culprits responsible for teeth pain during cold weather. First, aggressive brushing with a stiff bristle toothbrush can cause teeth sensitivity. The pressure of such brushing can abrade the teeth’s protective layer of enamel. This kind of toothbrush can be the most effective at getting rid of bacteria, but it can also cause the most damage. Second, diseased gums can lead to teeth discomfort. Gingivitis, the most common gum disease, can be destructive by leading to periodontitis. This condition can destroy gum tissue at a tooth’s base, causing it to become loose and vulnerable to bacterial infection at its base. 



Help for Sensitive Teeth 

Fortunately, there are many simple steps a person may take to help sensitive teeth in the winter. 


• Closed-mouth Breathing: The simple procedure of keeping the mouth closed and breathing through the nose can reduce teeth discomfort during the winter months. This protects the teeth from the direct contact with frigid air by warming it through the nasal passages. If closed mouth breathing is not an option, consider wearing a scarf around your mouth to reduce cold air.
• Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatment can strengthen the enamel of teeth, helping to prevent the tiny cracks from occurring during the contraction and expansion process so common during cold weather. 

• Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste: This type of toothpaste contains the special ingredient of potassium nitrate that stops the channeling of sensation from the outer tooth to its inner nerve. This can eliminate the pain from the microscopic cracks in weakened enamel. 


Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa for proper treatments during the cold weather. You shouldn’t ignore the pain you feel, the sensitivity you may experience cold weather can be a bigger issue. The best option is having a dental checkup to ensure your oral health is in the best condition. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn more about how you can deal with sensitivity during the cold weather.