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Tooth Sensitivity and Cold Weather

October 17, 2017 By Anna Keefe

Cold hurts teeth

Fall and winter bring colder weather, which can mean trouble for your teeth. Find out how cold hurts teeth and what to do about it:

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin, which makes teeth more vulnerable to pain. Cold air and hot drinks aggravate tender teeth.

Try This: When you’re outside, breathe through your nose and out through your mouth. Your lips, tongue, and cheeks will keep your teeth insulated. If you’re craving a hot beverage, enjoy it through a straw to minimize tooth contact. Call your dentist if your sensitivity continues.

Dry Mouth

Winter is the season of colds, which can cause a stuffed up nose. This forces you to breathe through your mouth, and excessive mouth breathing creates a dry mouth. A dry mouth can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other mouth infections.

Try This: Drink water regularly and chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist. You should also try limiting your caffeine intake. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose water and contributing to dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth year-round, make an appointment with your dentist.

Lack of Vitamin D

Extreme temperatures can keep us stuck inside. With less outdoor time, you’re decreasing your daily dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping your teeth and bones healthy. Exposure to sunlight enables the body to produce vitamin D.

Try This: If the winter weather is hindering your intake of vitamin D, try snacking on fortified cereals and fatty fish. Milk containing vitamin D is also a good source, and the calcium benefits your teeth too.

Take care of your teeth in the colder weather to prevent or reduce tooth pain.

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