The first frosty mornings have arrived in Columbus. You scrape the windshield, take a breath of that cold air and feel a sharp zing in your teeth. If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Sensitivity tends to flare up this time of year, and there’s a clear reason why.
What’s actually happening
Under the hard enamel on your teeth is a softer layer called dentin. Dentin is full of tiny tubes that lead to the nerve. When enamel wears thin or gums pull back, those tubes are exposed. Cold air, a cold drink or even a hot coffee after a cold walk can send a jolt straight to the nerve.
Teeth also expand and contract slightly with big temperature swings. Over many years, that can lead to tiny cracks that make sensitivity worse.
Common causes we see
- Gum recession, often from gum disease or brushing too hard
- Worn enamel from acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks and citrus
- Teeth grinding, which often gets worse with stress around the holidays
- A cracked tooth or old filling that has started to leak
- Recent whitening, which can cause short-term sensitivity
What you can do at home
- Switch to a sensitivity toothpaste and use it every day for at least two weeks. It takes time to work.
- Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, small circles. Scrubbing harder doesn’t clean better.
- Breathe through your nose when you’re outside, and pull a scarf over your mouth on windy days.
- Sip very hot or very cold drinks through a straw.
- Cut back on acidic drinks, or rinse with water after having one.
When to see a dentist
Mild sensitivity that fades in a second or two is common. Call us if the pain lingers after the cold is gone, wakes you up at night, or is focused on one tooth. Those can be signs of a cavity, a crack or a nerve that needs attention. Catching it early often means a simple filling instead of a root canal.
In the office, we can apply a fluoride varnish or desensitizing treatment, bond over exposed root surfaces, or make a custom night guard if grinding is the culprit. If gums have receded, gum treatment can help protect the root.
Get comfortable again before winter sets in
You shouldn’t have to wince every time you step outside between now and March. Our team at Olive Branch Dental on W Jonathan Moore Pike will find the cause and fix it. Call (812) 516-5777 or schedule online. If you still have dental benefits left this year, this is a good way to use them.
