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When temperatures drop you may notice an increase in tooth sensitivity. This is often caused by dental problems in combination with the natural response of your teeth to temperature changes: they contract slightly when exposed to severe cold and expand when hot.
Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer right below your teeth’s enamel) which can result in pain when exposed to cold air. Roughly 40 million adults in the United States have experienced pain from sensitive teeth, about 1-in-8 deal with the problem regularly. The leading causes of teeth sensitivity to cold include:
Damaged Teeth
Temperature sensitivity typically indicates teeth that are cracked, fractured, or suffering from dental erosion. Enamel is meant to protect the sensitive dentin inside your teeth from things that will irritate it. When your enamel is weak or compromised, the nerve-rich dentin can easily become irritated and painful.
Gum Recession
This can be a natural part of the aging process or a symptom of the gum infection called Gingivitis. Pain when exposed to cold temperatures is among the first signs of gum recession. If not treated, gum recession can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This is a bacterial infection that can attack not only the gums but also the bone that supports the teeth; the loss of supporting bone can eventually lead to tooth loss. The vast majority of the population of the U.S. will experience gingivitis (the mildest form of gum disease) at some point in their lives; while 30% to 40% of us will experience periodontitis (the severe form of gum disease).
Gum Infection
Sick gums are very sensitive to temperature changes. 90% of all dental diseases are caused by bacterial plaque that has worked its way under the gums and infected the tissues surrounding your teeth. Your best defense is the consistent removal of the bacterial plaque. If it’s left alone for about 48 hours, it begins to harden – this is called tartar – and is extremely difficult to remove by simple brushing and flossing. A professional cleaning is the only safe and effective way to remove tartar.
Aggressive Brushing
It may seem like the best way to get your teeth as clean as possible is to brush them enthusiastically. But tooth enamel can be damaged by overly forceful tooth brushing. Use a soft brush, and talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about electronic toothbrushes or the newer ones that use ultrasound to destroy bad bacteria and debris without needing to brush. Some electronic brushes also have a feature that warns you if you are brushing too hard. Learn how to brush your teeth properly, and be especially careful when brushing near your gums – hard, side-to-side brushing here can cause irritation that can lead to infection, receding gums, and pain when exposed to temperature changes, pressure, or air.
Grinding Your Teeth
40 million Americans engage in bruxism – the formal term for teeth grinding and clenching. In the worst cases, this can weaken teeth, fracture fillings, crack crowns, and destroy dentures. It’s common for people to be totally unaware they are nocturnal gnashers. An aggravated partner denied sleep due to the sound of grinding is the most common indicator that there is a problem. Sore jaws, a clicking sound when you open your mouth, a dull constant headache that originates around the temples, tender teeth, and even indentations on your tongue are other typical signs, as is tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures.
The most common preventive treatment for severe teeth grinding cases is wearing a mouthguard at night, also known as “a night bite plate” or a “bite splint.” Your dentist will fit one for you, some fit over the bottom teeth, and others go on the top. They generally work by compensating for misaligned teeth or keeping your jaw more relaxed.
Reduce Your Teeth’s Cold-Sensitivity
Talk to your dentist about cold-sensitive teeth. There are many treatments that can eliminate or reduce dental pain associated with cold (and hot) temperatures.
You can often avoid the damage that leads to cold-sensitive teeth by brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled brush, and avoiding brushing for an hour after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks – instead, rinse with plain water. Consider using a straw to limit the liquid’s contact with your teeth when drinking acidic beverages, such as citrus juices and flavored sodas. (Wine is acidic too, as is coffee and some teas. If using a straw when drinking these doesn’t work for you, consider limiting consumption if your teeth tend to be sensitive).
Regular checkups are the best way to avoid or address the dental issues that can cause cold-selective teeth. If you’ve been putting off seeing a dentist due to cost, consider joining a dental savings plan, an affordable alternative to dental insurance that can save you money on virtually all dental procedures with no annual limits or waiting. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. To learn more about dental savings plans, call us at 1-833-735-0399 or use our calculator below for a quick peek at how much you can save.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.