Do you step outside and feel a sudden zing of pain during the winter months? Your general dentist in Mission, BC, often sees more patients with this issue during fall and winter. Understanding why this happens can help you protect your smile and stay comfortable all season long.
Treating seasonal tooth sensitivity is easier than you think. Learn more about your treatment options with Dr. Amol Shergill and his merry team at Wren Street Dental. Contact our trusted dentist in Mission, BC, at (604) 520-8702 for appointments, information, and more!
Why Cold Weather Affects Your Teeth
Tooth sensitivity affects almost 30% of adults. Unfortunately, colder weather can make sensitivity worse. Here’s why:
Cold temperatures can create quick changes in your teeth. Enamel expands in heat and contracts in cold. These tiny movements may expose the sensitive layer under your enamel. When this happens, even a small gust of cold wind can trigger discomfort.
Your dentist in Mission, BC, can check whether your enamel is thinner than normal or if your gums have started to recede. Both can make your teeth more reactive to temperature changes.
How Enamel Plays a Big Role
When enamel wears down, it no longer protects the dentin inside the tooth. Dentin contains small tubes that lead directly to your nerves. In cold weather, air can enter through these tubes and cause sharp pain.
Your dentist in Mission, BC, may recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitivity or applying fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel. These simple steps can make winter much more comfortable for your smile.
Gum Recession and Cold Sensitivity
When gums pull away from the teeth, the root surface becomes exposed. Roots do not have enamel, so they react much more strongly to cold air.
Your dentist in Mission, BC, can check your gums for early signs of recession. Catching it early helps prevent more sensitivity and protects your long-term oral health.
Other Winter Triggers That Increase Sensitivity
According to your dentist in Mission, BC, winter triggers that may increase tooth sensitivity include:
Cold Air Exposure
Breathing through your mouth allows cold air to reach sensitive areas. This can cause quick, sharp pain. Wearing a scarf over your mouth helps warm the air before it reaches your teeth.
Hot Drinks After Cold Exposure
The quick shift from cold air to a hot drink can stress enamel. This sudden change may make sensitivity worse on chilly days.
Sinus Pressure
Sinus problems often increase during the winter months, which can cause pressure behind the nose and in the upper jaw. This pressure may contribute to increased sensitivity.
When to Visit a Dentist in Mission, BC
If your tooth sensitivity continues for more than 10 days or gets worse, it may signal a deeper issue. Cavities, cracked teeth, or advanced gum recession can make winter symptoms stronger. Your dentist in Mission, BC, can diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Keep Your Smile Comfortable All Winter Long at Wren Street Dental
Winter tooth sensitivity is common, but you do not have to live with it. Click here to schedule an exam with Dr. Amol Shergill, or call (604) 820-8702 to discuss your treatment options with a friendly dentist in Mission, BC, today!
