As the cooler months roll around, the temperatures in South Australia can drop to 8 – 16°C (46.5 – 60.8°F). While winters in and around Adelaide are mild, many still notice a sharp, uncomfortable sensation in their teeth when drinking hot tea or stepping outside into the crisp morning air.
This shooting pain, commonly known as teeth sensitivity, is more common than you think. Worse still, it can affect you even if your teeth look perfectly healthy. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you treat sensitive teeth during the colder months?
In this blog, we will talk about why teeth sensitivity becomes more noticeable in cooler weather, how to manage it, and practical steps to protect your teeth all year long.
What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?
Sensitivity occurs when enamel, the protective layer of the teeth, wears down. This leaves the inner part of your teeth, called dentin, exposed. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to your nerve endings. When heat or cold or sticky foods hit the dentin, it triggers a reaction, typically resulting in a shooting pain.
Several factors contribute to the weakening of your tooth enamel, which leads to sensitive teeth:
- Aggressive Brushing: While you need to brush your teeth twice a day, brushing them too hard can erode enamel over time, increasing the likelihood of tooth sensitivity.
- Gum Recession: As gums recede with age or due to gum disease, the root of the tooth becomes exposed, leading to sensitive teeth.
- Acidic Diet: Regularly consuming acidic foods and drinks (such as citrus fruits and soft drinks) can break down the enamel.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth can wear down enamel, leaving your teeth more exposed to temperature changes.
In colder months, sensitive teeth can be a real problem, as the exposed dentin is more likely to feel the temperature changes throughout the day. Additionally, we tend to consume hotter drinks in winter, like coffee or tea, which can trigger sharp pains if you suffer from teeth sensitivity.
Without proper care, sensitivity can worsen, turning minor discomfort into ongoing pain. It would help if you visit a competent dentist as soon as possible to have your teeth checked and start the required treatment.
How to Care for Your Sensitive Teeth During the Cooler Months
As temperatures drop, so does the comfort of those dealing with sensitive teeth. The good news is that it doesn’t have to rule your winter. You can take several steps to alleviate the discomfort and protect your teeth.
Here’s how to treat sensitive teeth:
1. Use a Special Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
The first step in managing teeth sensitivity is switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes block the pathways that lead to the nerves inside your teeth, protecting you from sharp pain.
Look for a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, both of which can help reduce sensitivity over time. Be consistent with your use, brushing at least twice a day. However, don’t expect the pain to go away overnight. It may take a few weeks for the sensitivity to decrease.
2. Change Your Brushing Technique
How you brush your teeth is just as important as what you brush them with. To protect your enamel, we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions.
Avoid brushing too hard or using a back-and-forth motion, as this can erode the enamel, increasing the risk of sensitive teeth. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes and pay attention to all areas of the mouth.
3. Watch What You Eat and Drink
During colder months, you may lean towards comforting foods, but you should be mindful of what you eat. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soft drinks, and even tomato-based soups, can weaken your enamel and worsen teeth sensitivity.
Instead, try to eat enamel-friendly foods like cheese, milk, yoghurt, and leafy greens. As they are high in calcium and minerals and low in sugar, these foods can help neutralise acids in the mouth and protect your enamel.
4. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive layers of your teeth. While bruxism often occurs at night, there are ways to manage it, such as wearing a custom mouth guard provided by your dentist.
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist about getting fitted for a mouth guard. This can make a world of difference in protecting your teeth, especially during the cooler months when teeth sensitivity can be at its peak.
5. Limit Hot and Cold Drinks
On cold winter mornings, you would want to start your day with a hot cup of tea, but too much exposure to hot drinks can exacerbate your sensitive teeth. Instead, try to have your morning cuppa at moderate temperatures. Drinking through a straw can also help reduce the contact between your sensitive teeth and the liquid, minimising the discomfort.
How to Cure Sensitive Teeth Permanently?
While all these methods can work, they are a quick fix. If you want a more long-term solution to your sensitive teeth, you would require ongoing care.
Here are some long-term strategies to consider:
1. Regular Dental Check-ups
The importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be stressed enough. Seeing your dentist regularly helps identify and address the causes of sensitive teeth.
Dentists can provide fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel and protect the teeth against sensitivity. They can also check for signs of gum disease or tooth decay, both of which can contribute to sensitivity.
2. Consider Dental Procedures
If your sensitivity is severe or doesn’t improve with home care, dental procedures may be necessary. Treatments such as bonding, fluoride varnishes, dental sealants, or even gum grafts can help cover exposed areas and protect your teeth from further damage. Consult your dentist immediately to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
Teeth sensitivity doesn’t have to dampen your life during colder months. Whether it’s through home care or treatments from your dentist, learning how to cure sensitive teeth and maintain good dental hygiene will make winter much more enjoyable. Even if you are struggling with minor discomfort, we recommend consulting your dentist as soon as possible.
Sensitive teeth? Munno Para Dental Clinic is here to help. We offer comprehensive dental care, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. Contact us to see how we can help you.
