Can cold weather damage your teeth?

As the temperature drops and frosty mornings become more common, it can be an exciting time to count down the days until Christmas.

But what you might start to notice is a twinge of discomfort in your teeth when stepping outside or sipping a hot drink.

While winter’s cold temperatures are known for their effect on our skin and joints, the cold can also take a surprising toll on our oral health. From sensitivity to cracking, cold weather has the potential to present issues for our teeth. 

But how exactly does the cold impact them? Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRCS and Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, has provided her insight into the different ways frosty weather can damage your oral health, as the UK begins to experience extreme subzero temperatures.

Cracks in fillings

Teeth and dental materials, including fillings, crowns, or veneers, expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperature variations. 

Consistently switching from a cold environment to a warm one, or vice versa, or drinking a hot beverage right after being in cold weather amplifies this effect.

If these materials expand or contract at different rates, it can create stress points within the tooth or between the tooth and the filling, leading to potential cracks over time.

To minimise this risk, don’t consume very hot drinks immediately after being in cold weather and consistently use fluoride toothpaste when brushing, as this strengthens the enamel.

Jaw Pain

If the jaw is exposed to cold air for an extended period of time, the surrounding muscles and nerves may become irritated or inflamed. This together with a grinding or clenching issue, can exacerbate the jaw ache.

You can also experience jaw pain in cold weather when your body naturally tenses up to retain heat. Constant clenching can strain the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. 

Cold weather is also associated with sinus congestion, which can cause pain in the upper jaw and cheeks.

To avoid this, be mindful to stop clenching your teeth, and try to consciously relax your jaw and keep your lips closed but teeth apart. You can also use a scarf or face covering to shield your jaw and neck from the cold.

Tooth Sensitivity

The enamel can contract slightly when exposed to cold temperatures, and if it is already thin or damaged, this contraction can expose the dentin underneath, making your teeth more sensitive.

Cold weather additionally causes some people to clench their teeth or tighten their jaw; over time, this can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity.

To ensure your teeth don’t become increasingly sensitive in the cold, use products containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride to help block the nerve signals causing pain.

You should also try to avoid exposing your teeth to cold air by keeping your mouth closed when outside and breathing out your nose instead.

Increased Dry Mouth

When the temperature drops, heating systems tend to dry out the air in your home or workplace. Prolonged exposure to this dry air can exacerbate dryness in the mouth and throat. 

Wintertime also means more people get ill, and when the nasal passage becomes congested, people tend to breathe out of their mouths. This leads to faster evaporation of saliva and dry mouth.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and mouth well-hydrated. If your nose is congested, over-the-counter products such as mouth sprays or gels can provide temporary relief and alleviate dry mouth. 

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