The Weather's Effect on Teeth: Tips To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

How Does Weather Affect Your Teeth?

You may be surprised at the amount of pain or discomfort that you feel by simply walking outside. Whether it’s a windy or cold day, you may suddenly discover that your teeth don’t feel so great.

Weather affects your teeth in two different ways. Cold or hot temperatures and air pressure both impact tooth sensitivity. Here’s what you need to know about how the weather affects your teeth and the methods you can use to alleviate your discomfort.

Cold Air

One of the largest culprits for weather-sensitive teeth is cold air. Perhaps you’ve stepped outside on a cold day before, breathed in, and felt your teeth ache. It doesn’t always mean that you have a cavity.

Teeth contract and expand based on the temperature they’re exposed to. When teeth are exposed to cold temperatures, they contract. As a result, small cracks are created in your teeth. Any time you breathe or pass something along your teeth, you’ll feel a dull ache.

That’s because the cracks allow your inner dental pulp to be touched. Until the teeth settle once more, your pulp is vulnerable.

Air Pressure

Another culprit is air pressure. When you’ve passed through a windy day, you may have felt the wind pelting against your teeth. It may have surprised you to discover that your teeth actually hurt. The reason is that applying pressure to your teeth can also cause sensitivity.

If you have a cavity or pre-existing cracks in your teeth, then air pressure can make them ache. The pressure is slipping past the hole or crack and touching the sensitive pulp inside of the tooth.

Weather Related Tooth Pain

It’s normal to experience tooth pain if you’re exposed to freezing temperatures or windy days. However, the extent of your pain may also indicate another problem. The main problem may be a cavity.

Whether it’s an existing cavity or one that is forming, if cold weather or air pressure makes that particular tooth sensitive, then you may feel a sharp pain.

How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy On Different Weather

It can be difficult to prepare your teeth for various types of weather. Transitioning from your warm home to the cold air also plays a factor. One method is to just keep your mouth closed. When inside of your warm mouth, the teeth aren’t exposed to the chilly temperatures or windy air.

As a result, your teeth are less likely to contract or expand.

Another great option is to visit your dentist. They can sometimes apply a varnish on your teeth that keeps them protected from severe temperatures and pressure. It’s also worth checking to see if you have a cavity. Getting those filled can also lessen the pressure and pain that you feel.

There are also a few preventative measures you can take through natural and organic dental products.