Do you find yourself wondering, “Why do my teeth hurt in the cold?” Whether you’re outside enjoying the holiday festivities, exercising or just simply walking to your car, the cold weather that we experience this time of year seems to be a common cause of tooth pain for many people. As many as 40 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.
The pain that you feel in your teeth is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (a layer of tissue found in the gums), which results in nerve irritation when exposed. The pain can be brought on by consuming hot or cold beverages, touching your teeth or exposing them to cold air.
Your Questions Answered: Why Do My Teeth Hurt In The Cold?
There are numerous factors that can cause tooth sensitivity. To properly diagnose the cause of the pain, we advise that you seek the help of a dentist. Below is a list of the common factors that lead to tooth pain:
-
Image courtesy of StockImages at FreeDigitalPhotos.ne Defective fillings, crowns or bridge margins with damages from food and mouth acids
- Cracked teeth
- Recessed gums from periodontal disease
- Bite problems
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Infected teeth or gums
- Teeth that are porous and sensitive
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Large metal fillings
Treatment of tooth sensitivity can be as simple as using a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste. Your dentist may also apply a fluoride coating to the exposed sensitive areas which will block the pain.
Home Remedies To Treat Your Sensitive Teeth
It is recommended that if the pain lasts for more than three days to visit the dentist. But is there anything you can do on your own? Here are some home remedies that will help to ease your pain:
- Pay attention to what causes cold sensitivity and try to track it
- Find the cause of gum shrinkage and treat it appropriately
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash two to three times per day. This will assist in sealing the cold-sensitive teeth.
- Rinse with sodium bicarbonate and water to rinse and soothe the mouth.
- Avoid alcohol-containing rinses
- Wear a bite guard to reduce pressure on your teeth
- Care for cracked teeth and cavities as soon as you catch them
How Do I Know When It’s Time To See A Dentist?
If your teeth are highly sensitive to cold temperatures for more than 3 or 4 days, it is recommended that you seek the help of a dentist to diagnose the problem. Letting this pain go untreated can lead to more extensive dental procedures down the road. Because the pain experienced from tooth sensitivity is rather similar to that of a cavity, the larger issue may go untreated. The pain may be a result of a cavity that is not yet visible. Only a dentist would be able to determine the true source of your pain.
Dr. Larry Duffield, Your Royal Oak Dentist!
The best way to deal with pain in your teeth from cold weather is to take preventative measures before the pain gets worse. At Duffield Dentistry, we offer everything from basic cleanings and checkups to more advanced cosmetic dentistry. Call us today at 248-541-1388 to set up an appointment with Royal Oak dentist, Dr. Larry Duffield!