How cold weather can affect your teeth

With the onset of winter, a Birmingham dentist has warned how cold weather can impact your teeth.

Dr Abdul Dalghous said that chilly conditions can cause unexpected changes in your mouth. In this guide to the meteorological impact on oral health, we examine some of the main symptoms to watch out for.

Some people might experience sudden sensitivity when they are in the cold. If you feel a sensation when breathing in icy air, this could be a sign of strain on tooth enamel. Nerves can be irritated when teeth contract under exposure to the cold.

Another issue can be pressure on your upper teeth. This might be caused by sinus pressure when your immune system becomes vulnerable to common colds. Sinus pressure might be mistaken for a toothache due to a dull ache, whereas the primary factor is winter congestion.

Dry mouths are problematic in so far as less saliva means less protection against harmful bacteria. Cold air is invariably less humid, and mouth inhalation can result in a drier mouth. This can result in plaque build-up and tooth decay.

Then, there is the pain associated with consumption of ice-cold food and drinks in wintery weather. In some situations, it could indicate cavities or enamel erosion.

Teeth tend to expand and contract in tandem with temperature fluctuations. The extreme cold can trigger barely visible hairline cracks in enamel.

Weather-sensitive patients are advised to breathe nasally and avoid biting into cold food. Flossing is also always recommended. For more information from an advanced care dentist in Chester, contact the team at Art of Dental Care today.