If you have ever stepped outside on a January morning in Saskatoon and felt a sharp zing in your teeth, you are not imagining things. When temperatures are well below zero, tooth sensitivity is much more common. Saskatoon winters are hard, not just on cars and sidewalks. They can be hard on your teeth, also.
Cold weather does not cause dental problems, but it can reveal existing issues. Understanding why your teeth ache during cold seasons can help you save your smile all winter long.
The Cold Air and Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs if the protective enamel of your teeth wears down or if your gums recede and reveal the root of your tooth. Underneath the enamel is a layer called dentin. Dentin contains tiny channels that connect directly to the nerve.
When you breathe in cold air, especially if you are breathing in cold that is extremely cold air as we do in Saskatoon, that cold can move up through those channels and cause pain. This is why sensitivity often feels acute.
Why Winter Makes It Worse
Cold weather provides the ideal setting for sensitivity to manifest or become strong.
Sudden changes in temperature are a big factor. In winter, many people move directly from freezing outdoor air to hot coffee or soup within minutes. The rapid changes cause teeth to expand and contract slightly. Over the years, this can lead to very small cracks in the enamel, making teeth more sensitive.
Dry air is another issue. Cold outdoor air and heated indoor air both reduce the moisture in your mouth. Saliva plays a major role in protecting teeth by washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids. Less saliva can mean greater sensitivity and a greater risk of cavities.
Mouth breathing is also more abundant during winter, especially when noses are clogged. Breathing at mouth dries up gums and teeth, causing increased irritation and discomfort.
Signs That Your Sensitivity Is A Problem
Some winter sensitivity is mild and temporary. Other times, it can be a symptom of a larger problem.
You should schedule a visit to the dentist if:
- The pain is severe or persistent
- Spring-loaded limit sensitivity to one tooth
- You experience pain when you bite or chew
- Cold sensitivity that is accompanied by swelling or bleeding gums
These symptoms may indicate cavities, gum recession, cracked teeth, or worn fillings.
How to Protect Your Teeth in Saskatoon Winter
There are simple ways to decrease cold-weather tooth pain.
Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and let it work for a while. Don’t brush too hard, as this can cause worn-down enamel and irritated gums. Cover your mouth with a scarf when you are out to reduce direct contact with the cold air on your teeth. Stay hydrated in order to help produce saliva, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
Regular dental checkups are also important. Winter sensitivity often signals small issues early, before they become more severe dental problems.
When in Doubt, Get It Checked
Living in Saskatoon means enduring the cold, but tooth pain doesn’t have to be one of them. If cold air causes your teeth to ache, your dentist can help determine the cause and can also provide simple solutions to keep you comfortable, no matter what time of the year.
If your smile wavers each time you step outside, then it might be time for a dental checkup. Your teeth will thank you when that next cold snap kicks in.