The winter season can accelerate dental issues for many people. While worsening dental pain can be frustrating, treatment from an experienced dentist can help you achieve relief.
Why Do Dental Issues Get Worse in the Winter?
Dental issues including tooth sensitivity, damaged fillings, and gum recession can lead to worsened pain during the winter season. This is because the air becomes colder and drier in the winter. When a damaged tooth or tooth root is exposed to cold air, it can cause sharp pain. This is similar to the pain that many people experience when they consume cold drinks or foods.
Cold weather may also cause your teeth to contract. This can create small fissures in the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the tooth. Beneath the enamel is the dentin, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. Damage to the enamel exposes the dentin, often leading to pain and sensitivity in cold temperatures.
What to Do About Dental Pain in the Winter
If you experience dental pain this winter, visit your dentist as soon as possible so that they can pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and implement an appropriate treatment plan.
For tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend that you start using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Incorporating fluoride into your cleanings may also help resolve the sensitivity. For individuals with sensitivity due to gum recession, gum grafting surgery may be needed to cover the exposed root surface. Your dentist can recommend other periodontal treatments to prevent further damage.
If your tooth pain in the winter is stemming from a damaged filling, replacing the filling could resolve the issue. In some cases, a crown is needed to restore the lost tooth structure.
Are you dealing with dental pain? If so, schedule an appointment at Dental Implant Solutionz to learn more about your options before winter is in full swing.