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No matter how well you care for your teeth, weather sensitivity can happen anytime, but you’re at greater risk if you don’t practice good oral hygiene and live in an area that has extreme temperature swings. To minimize your sensitivity, you should learn about the common causes for sensitive teeth and what you should do when you notice pain because of the cold weather.
Did you know that your teeth expand and contract in response to extreme heat and cold? Over time, this can lead to cracks in your teeth, exposing the vulnerable microscopic tubes under your enamel called the dentin. This is the same tooth pain you feel because of cavities, gum disease, and other bad oral habits.
There are many reasons that your dentin could be exposed. People often wear down their enamel or suffer from receding gums and tooth sensitivity because of one of the following reasons:
- Periodontal disease: Diseases of the gums, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone can expose the dentin and cause sensitivity. Gingivitis is one of the earliest stages of periodontal disease.
- Brushing too vigorously: Brushing with too much force can actually start to wear down your enamel.
- Clenching and grinding: Some people may clench or grind their teeth in their sleep which can wear down tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity.
- Tooth decay: Sensitivity to cold is an early sign of an undetected tooth decay problem so if you start to experience tooth pain, go see a dentist.
- Tooth whitening agents: Have you started using a new tooth-whitening agent? The ingredients that make your teeth whiter may also strip past surface stains and start wearing down your enamel. If it starts hurting your teeth, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist.
- Acidic beverages: Sodas, coffee, tea, and other drinks with a high concentration of acid can erode your teeth and expose the dentin layer.
- Other lifestyle habits: Other bad oral health habits, like using tobacco products or not brushing or flossing properly, can cause your gums to recede. When this happens, the dentin at the base of the gums is exposed and can lead to temperature-sensitive teeth.
