If exposure to cold weather is giving you a toothache, then you suffer from sensitive teeth. Sensitivity is caused by damaged or worn enamel, exposing underlying tissues to stimuli that trigger pain. Learn how to lessen your sensitivity toothache with the tips below.

How to Avoid Dental Sensitivity in Winter

1. Use a Sensitivity Toothpaste

Toothpastes that are approved by the ADA to treat sensitivity contain varying ingredients to mitigate sensitive teeth, reducing your discomfort with daily use. Potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride are two of the most common ingredients. The potassium nitrate interacts with nerve cells to reduce the transmission of a toothache, while the fluoride works to block tubules exposed by lost enamel that allow pain triggers to reach deep tissues of your tooth.

2. Ask Your Dentist About Sealants

Dental sealants are protective barriers that are applied to the surfaces of your teeth. Their purpose is to reduce the risk of cavities by blocking plaque from eroding the enamel, but they can also reduce sensitivity by blocking stimuli from reaching pain receptors in your teeth. Sealants are a fast, affordable, painless remedy for mild sensitivity.

3. Consider Veneers

These are thin porcelain sheets that are applied to the front of your teeth. They help prevent stimuli from penetrating through your enamel and into sensitive tissues. This is a permanent option that can cover minor flaws like gaps, chips, stains, and cracks.

4. Avoid Enamel Damage

Acidic foods and beverages—like coffee, citric fruit, alcohol, and sour candy—can soften and erode enamel, so limit their consumption. Enamel can also become damaged when you use your teeth to cut or open packages. Going back and forth between hot and cold air can also make your teeth swell and contract, causing minute cracks. Avoid talking or breathing through your mouth when outside in the cold, and wrap a scarf around the lower half of your face to keep warm.

If your sensitivity is severe or develops into a constant toothache, have an experienced dentist assess the cause and correct it. Arrow Dental Care in Ellisville, MO, will provide a thorough exam and comprehensive treatment to correct your sensitivity or repair damage to your teeth. For over a decade, they’ve offered care such as veneers, sealants, and extractions with flexible financing options in a meticulously maintained office. Learn what they can do for your smile online, and call (636) 441-6999 to schedule a consultation.