As the temperatures drop, are your teeth feeling
the chill? Cold air and blasts of icy wind can sting your face and zap your
teeth. Find out what’s behind this painful phenomenon and what you can do to
protect your mouth.
What causes cold sensitivity?
Contraction and expansion
Did you know that your front teeth can change as
much as 120 degrees in temperature? Exposure to cold air — and hot foods — can
be rough on teeth. Just like other materials, your teeth expand and contract as
they change in temperature. As the inside and outside of your teeth adjust,
little cracks can emerge. These cracks usually don’t affect tooth structure,
but they can be uncomfortable. And if you have amalgam fillings, the discomfort may be worse.
Metal expands and contracts more quickly than natural teeth do.
Exposed dentin
If the enamel, or the outside layer of your
teeth, has started to wear away to reveal the dentin below, your teeth can
become very sensitive. Without the protection of your enamel, the nerves inside
your tooth are more exposed to the elements.
How to stop the pain
What can you do to get relief? First, talk to
your dentist. A look inside your mouth — and possibly a new set of x-rays — can help your dentist figure out
what’s causing the problem.
In some cases, switching to sensitive toothpaste may be all you need.
Or, your dentist may paint a protective varnish onto your teeth.
In other cases, the pain may be a sign of
something more serious. Cavities can also increase sensitivity, especially if
the infection has reached the pulp, the heart of your tooth. Your dentist may
perform a pulp vitality test to check the health of your teeth. This test
involves placing a hot or cold instrument on each tooth — or asking you to bite
down — to see how your teeth respond to temperature changes and pressure.
In the meantime, you can reduce the pain by
breathing through your nose when you’re outside and brushing and flossing
regularly to fight decay. Avoid whitening treatments and acidic foods, which
can increase sensitivity.
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