Blog Highlights

• Winter tooth pain is a pain that flares up during cold weather
• Surprisingly, a change in atmospheric pressure can also lead to tooth pain.
• If you are an avid winter sports participant, you may want to consider investing in a mouth guard

When the temperature drops and winter settles in, you may experience what is known as winter tooth pain. Winter tooth pain is a pain that flares up during cold weather. So, what causes winter tooth pain and what can you do about it? Let’s take a look!

Causes of Winter Tooth Pain
There are three reasons for winter tooth pain:

Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity happens when the enamel of a tooth is cracked or worn down. When the enamel is compromised, the layer of dentin is exposed. Dentin is where the tooth’s nerves are housed. Exposed dentin leads to exposed nerves and can cause mild to moderate pain. Hot or cold drinks and cold air can trigger the pain.

Fortunately, tooth sensitivity is often treatable. In general, you should avoid hot and cold beverages. You should also make an appointment to see your dentist. They will make sure you don’t have any serious underlying causes such as a cracked tooth, cavity, or infection. Then, they will recommend a treatment plan, which often involves simply changing your toothpaste.

High Altitude
Surprisingly, a change in atmospheric pressure can also lead to tooth pain. In fact, this type of tooth pain is called barodontalgia and is experienced most frequently by scuba divers. However, skiers may also notice a pressure-like pain if they are high enough in the mountains.

It’s best to avoid hot and cold foods and contact your dentist if you experience tooth pain at higher altitudes. They will determine the underlying cause, which could be a damaged filling or crown, tooth decay or enamel wear, or a cracked tooth and will recommend the best course of treatment.

Dental Trauma
Once winter sets in and snow falls, winter sports begin. While skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, ice-skating, and snowmobiling are fun; they always come with the risk of injury. Dental trauma can cause winter tooth pain and you should see your dentist immediately.

If you are an avid winter sports participant, you may want to consider investing in a mouth guard. Mouth guards can help reduce the injury and pain you may experience in a winter sports accident.

When in doubt, always speak to your dentist about your tooth pain and possible treatments.