Cold, sunny and crisp fall days can be invigorating, but as the seasons change and winter approaches, you might notice that your teeth feel more sensitive. Even breathing in on a chilly fall day can make them twinge painfully. But why is this happening, and what can you do? There are a couple of reasons why tooth sensitivity can occur, which are outlined below.

Micro Cracks in Teeth

Teeth must exist in a very harsh environment and are exposed to temperature changes that can be extreme. If this sounds strange, think about eating an ice cream or having a frozen drink compared with the temperature of a hot cup of coffee. As the temperature changes in your mouth, your teeth expand and contract, and continual expansion and contraction can eventually result in tiny cracks in tooth enamel. Although these cracks may not harm the overall structure of teeth, they can allow hot and cold sensations to penetrate tooth enamel more easily.

The problem may be worsened if you have some older-style amalgam fillings. Because amalgam is made from a mixture of metals, it expands and contracts when it comes into contact with hot and cold foods and beverages, and expansion and contraction take place more quickly than natural teeth, causing cracks.

Worn Tooth Enamel or Untreated Cavities

When your teeth are healthy and strong, they are covered with tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. However, it can become thinner over time, especially as it is eroded when exposed to acids found in foods or produced by bacteria, or sometimes by other factors like brushing your teeth too hard, especially if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush. Eventually, small lesions can develop in tooth enamel, indicating the beginning of a cavity. Worn tooth enamel can also occur if you have bruxism in Newcastle, where you clench and grind your teeth. Without the protection of tooth enamel, hot and cold sensations can penetrate the dentin underneath, soon reaching the tooth nerve.

What to Do If You Have Sensitive Teeth?

If you have noticed your teeth are more sensitive, particularly to hot and cold and sweet-and-sour foods, schedule a checkup with us here at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Our dentist can examine your teeth and identify the cause of tooth sensitivity in Clarington. Once we know what is causing your sensitivity, we can discuss suitable treatments to remedy this situation.

Sometimes, treatment might be as simple as changing your toothbrushing habits or using different toothpaste. For example, if you currently use a hard-bristled toothbrush or are scrubbing your teeth too hard, we can discuss changing to a soft-bristled toothbrush. We can show you gentler ways to brush your teeth effectively without damaging your tooth enamel. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be very effective, but you must use it for several weeks to get the full benefits.

If you have any lesions or soft spots in your tooth enamel, it might be possible to reharden the enamel with professional applications of fluoride, a fast, safe and effective treatment. Otherwise, any holes or cavities can be mended with tooth-coloured composite resin, which does not flex when exposed to hot and cold.

Teeth clenching and grinding in Courtice can be treated in several ways, often with a custom-made night splint. Bruxism tends to be a nocturnal habit, so wearing a night guard helps prevent teeth grinding and clenching. Other therapeutic treatments might be recommended, depending on your diagnosis.

It is important to see a dentist if you have any issues with tooth sensitivity so the problem can be diagnosed accurately. With the right treatment, your teeth should soon feel much more comfortable, even on a cold, crisp winter’s day.