Teeth Sensitivity in Winter: Causes and Simple Fixes to Protect Your Smile

When winter hits, it’s not just your hands that feel the chill, your teeth can too. If sipping hot coffee or breathing cold air suddenly makes you wince, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity often increases during colder months. Here’s why and what you can

About 1 in 8 Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity). Thanks to a mix of icy temps, dry air, and everyday habits we don’t think twice about, tooth sensitivity in the winter is more common than you may think. The good news? A few simple tweaks can protect your smile and keep colder weather from stealing the season.

Schedule a family dental appointment with the specialists at SuperTooth™, with offices in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Germantown, Maryland, to discuss solutions for sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity basics

Tooth sensitivity happens when the outer tooth layer (enamel) wears down, exposing the softer tooth layer underneath. This inner layer (dentin) is more sensitive, which means a greater discomfort to cold, hot, sour, or sweet foods.

Dentin contains tiny tubes that lead to the center parts of your teeth, which contain nerves. Temperature changes or sugar traveling through these tubes can reach the nerves, leading to discomfort.

Causes of tooth sensitivity

The following may increase tooth sensitivity during the colder winter months:

Brushing your teeth too hard
Tooth decay (cavities)
Gum recession from gum disease
Cracked tooth
Acidic or sugary foods and drinks that wear down enamel
Excessive teeth whitening
Using harsh mouthwash or a hard-bristled toothbrush
Plaque buildup
Teeth grinding or clenching
Stomach acid exposure due to bulimia
Recent dental procedures are causing short-term sensitivity
Dry mouth

You might notice tooth sensitivity more during winter when your teeth are exposed to colder air, especially when breathing in through your mouth.

Simple fixes for winter tooth sensitivity

A few simple fixes can help prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. Examples include:

See your dental experts every six months for professional cleanings and exams
Seek treatment for cavities or gum disease
Brush your teeth after meals with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Try a desensitizing toothpaste
Floss daily
Consume acidic drinks (such as soda) through a straw or avoid them altogether
Limit or avoid acidic and sugary foods
Chew sugar-free gum
Drink water often throughout the day
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, and other hard objects
Seek treatment for dry mouth if you suffer from it
Avoid breathing through your mouth in cold air

The experts at SuperTooth offer treatments that help reduce tooth sensitivity. They provide dental bonding, dentin sealants, fluoride varnishes, and more. Your dentist tailors a plan that provides superior and lasting outcomes.

Schedule a holistic dental appointment at SuperTooth to prevent or treat tooth sensitivity in the winter. Contact us today by phone or request an appointment online.