It’s that frigid time of year when everyone's teeth are chattering. But if you have sensitive teeth, brrrrr quickly becomes ouch! So how do you handle the pain during the winter? And is it just everyday sensitivity, or a serious sign that you may need a root canal?

The dental care experts at Cincinnati’s Lowitz & Meier offer four tips to mitigate your cold-weather tooth pain:

• Avoid acids. Acidic foods and drinks contribute to tooth sensitivity, so try to stay away from them during the winter, or at least indulge in moderation. Orange juice, tomato sauce, and wine are a few examples of acidic items that can irritate the sensitive nerves in your teeth, setting you up for more pain when you step out into the cold.
• Cover up with a thick scarf. If you are walking from place to place, try to block the wind from hitting your teeth. Find a wide scarf that you can wrap around your face, and put in front of your mouth.
• Try a new toothpaste. Instead of your regular toothpaste, try one specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Sensitive toothpastes can help create a barrier between your vulnerable nerves and the cold air.
• See a doctor. Above all, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Without a professional consultation at the dentist office, it will be impossible to determine whether your tooth sensitivity is a harmless annoyance, or stemming from a deeper problem, like an advanced cavity that could require a root canal.

When it comes to your dental care, don’t delay—book one of the convenient appointments at Lowitz & Meier, and put your pain and worry to rest. Call the dentist office at (513) 521-8900, or visit their website for more dental care information.