Just as many things change throughout the seasons, so do our bodies’ reactions. In fact, the coldest months of the year can bring about many health challenges. While you have enough to worry about with the foods you consume during the holiday season and how it affects your teeth, the weather itself may be causing some changes.
We’ve compiled five reasons why you may experience more frequent and intense tooth sensitivity during these busy and blustery months.
Aggressive Brushing Techniques
Brushing your teeth is crucial to maintaining clean oral health, however, brushing the wrong way can cause more harm than good. Brushing incorrectly can lead to oral issues as well as teeth sensitivity. If you brush too hard using a stiff-bristled toothbrush, you can wear down the outer protective layer of enamel.
When this happens, the inner layers become exposed and can lead to pain and sensitivity, especially during colder months. During the winter months, you may feel pressed for time in the mornings getting ready for your long commute, thus spending less time on your oral hygiene. This may have you resorting to short and aggressive brushing sessions, pushing your teeth sensitivity to an all-time high.
Make sure to allow the right amount of time and use the right toothbrush for your mouth to avoid hurting your enamel and creating sensitivity.
Extreme Temperature Differences
Thermal stress is a real issue for people who already have tooth sensitivity. You are likely to experience more discomfort if this is the case when your teeth become cold in the winter. However, in the coldest parts of winter low temperatures can cause tooth damage that contributes to your already sensitive teeth.
Your tooth enamel expands when it is warm and contracts when it is cold. Thermal stress is caused when you expose those teeth to extreme temperatures or short intervals of extreme hot and cold. In severe cases of thermal stress, you can create tiny cracks in the enamel as it contracts, which exposes the inner layer of the teeth and causes sensitivity.
Additionally, hot beverages can contribute to your sensitivity. Many people consume an abundance of hot beverages in the cold months, which can create that same temperature difference if you consume these beverages outdoors in cold weather.
Sweet Foods
We all know the holidays are jam-packed with decadent and sweet foods. While they bring holiday cheer, they also bring a greater risk of tooth decay. If you unknowingly develop even a small cavity, you’ll experience tooth sensitivity from these rich foods.
However, we know you’ll indulge in a treat or two, but be sure to follow these guidelines to avoid further damaging the enamel on your teeth:
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming sweets.
- Immediately after sweets, drink a glass of water or chew sugar-free gum to help remove some of the food particles.
Your tooth enamel is at its weakest after consuming acidic or sugary foods, so brushing can have the same damaging effects as over-whitening and aggressive teeth brushing.
Over-whitening Your Teeth
‘Tis the season for picture taking and looking your best. Many people grab the home whitening kits to get their teeth ready for the season, but we urge you to exercise caution when using these. Consult your dentist prior to using an over-the-counter whitening kit as some of them contain harmful chemicals that can cause your enamel to become weak and your tooth sensitivity to skyrocket.
Avoid making matters worse for your teeth and consult your dentist at the Complete Dentistry of Orland Park about your whitening methods. You may be able to use an alternative method, such as an in-office procedure or prescription whitening, that will be less harsh on your pearly whites!
Seasonal Illnesses
Pain in areas around your teeth can cause as much sensitivity problems as your tooth enamel, especially when you are ill.
During the winter, people are more susceptible to colds, flu, and sinus infections due to the increased time around people and lack of fresh air. We are constantly trapped indoors with many different bacteria floating around. These illnesses can all contribute to tooth sensitivity because they can inflame the areas around the teeth.
Pay extra attention to your health during the winter!
At the Complete Dentistry of Orland Park, we are always available to assist you with any oral issues you may be having. Let us know if you find your teeth are extra-sensitive during this time, and we can narrow down the cause of sensitivity and help you to avoid this as much as possible!
