Does Winter Chill Damage Your Teeth? Here’s Why
San Antonio, TX

Winter might be your favorite season but that’s not the case for your teeth. Cold temperatures can do more than make you shiver. If you experience searing tooth pain or sensitive teeth due to breathing in cold air during winter, the season might be the culprit behind your compromised dental situation. Let’s get to know how cold temperature impacts your gums and teeth and how an emergency dentist in San Antonio can help you: 

How Cold Weather Affects Teeth?

Most of us are aware of the fact that too sweet, salty, or acidic drinks and food can wreak havoc on our teeth and gums. But very few are aware of the effect of lower temperature on oral health. The combination of freezing air during the colder months and the abundance of hot drinks causes sudden temperature changes in the mouth. It can result in:

• Teeth sensitivity due to enamel expansion and contraction. It can expose dentin and the teeth nerve endings.
• Sudden temperature changes can cause micro-fractures on teeth over time
• Dry air and acidic foods can thin out enamel, which weakens teeth
• Cold weather aggravates gum inflammation. Gum disease, like excessive gum bleeding, might necessitate emergency oral care. 

The Science Behind Tooth Sensitivity in Winter

The layer below enamel, dentin contains innumerable minute tubules. All these are connected to the teeth nerves. So when temperature changes travel through these nerves, you experience a sharp pain. 

Habits That Make Dental Sensitivity Worse

Apart from the season, daily habits also play a crucial role in worsening teeth sensitivity during winter. The common oral care mistakes are:

• Brushing too hard, which wears out enamel 
• Omitting fluoride toothpaste
• Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing 
• Drinking acidic drinks like hot lemon tea or coffee, or eating too many sweets

How to Guard Teeth against Winter Sensitivity?

Easy changes in your dental care practices can prevent tooth pain in the long run. The best precautionary steps are:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Choose a sensitive teeth-friendly toothpaste
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear a scarf across your mouth to trap warm air 
• Floss every day
• Brush twice a day
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Visit a dentist twice a year or every 6 months

Can Cold Weather Cause Dental Emergencies?

Teeth pain can be a sign of an underlying oral issue. Severe teeth sensitivity or lingering oral pain might be the symptoms of:

• Cavities
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Exposed tooth roots or receding gums 
• Gum infections or Abscesses

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist in San Antonio?

You might wonder what the tell-tale signs of a dental emergency are. Let’s check them out to know you can’t delay your visit to an emergency dentist anymore:

• Sudden, intense tooth pain
• Swelling of the gums or face
• Sensitivity that persists even after winter
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Pus or fever

Disregarding these symptoms leads to long-term dental harm and expensive oral procedures. As we now know, winter temperatures can make teeth more sensitive, simple healthy habits can help you prevent tooth pain. If you still struggle with stubborn pain or sensitivity, an early consultation with an emergency dentist in San Antonio helps you avoid oral complications down the line.