Treating Cold Weather Tooth Pain

Playing in the snow, bundling up in your favorite sweater, and drinking hot cocoa are all fun in the winter, but cold weather can be brutal on your body. It can dry out skin, make lips chapped, even make your teeth hurt!

 Here are some tips for avoiding tooth pain this winter so you and your family can get back to your snowball fight:

•  Try breathing in and out through your nose as much as possible. Breathing through the mouth brings the cold air directly in contact with your teeth, and the sudden change in temperature can cause tooth pain.
•  Make sure you have a hot beverage handy when you’re outside. Warming up cold teeth with a warm drink (even just hot water) can help ease the aches.
•  Try using a mouthwash with fluoride two to three times a day. Fluoride can help seal cold-sensitive teeth.
•  Try using desensitizing toothpaste. These types of toothpaste help block the sensations that cause the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

 After warming up healthy teeth, the pain should go away. But if your teeth still hurt or the sensitivities persist even after warming up, you may want to schedule a dental appointment. Persistent aching could be a sign of a larger problem (such as tooth decay or gum disease) that you should discuss with your dentist.  Call Gallegos Family Dentistry at 505-503-6720 if you have persistent tooth sensitivity.