Why do my teeth hurt over winter?

This sensitivity can often occur when breathing in cold air or drinking cold tap water. Teeth may become sensitive when the protective enamel layer starts to wear away. This may be due to causes such as decay, acid erosion, grinding, gum disease, broken fillings or brushing too hard. Underneath our enamel is dentine which is made up of lots of tubes that connect to the nerve. When dentine is exposed, cold can reach the nerve.

What should I do about cold sensitivity?

If you are experiencing cold sensitivity, it is a good idea to come get your teeth checked so we can find the cause of the sensitivity. Sometimes, the treatment may be as easy as using a sensitivity toothpaste on the teeth, without rinsing, twice a day.

Do winter illness effect my teeth?

It is common over winter to also see people with unspecific toothache and face tenderness. This can often be due to sinusitis (inflamed sinus) from respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu or covid. Using sinus rinses and decongestants can help with this kind of pain. If the discomfort in your teeth still persists after you are feeling better, then we should investigate to see if there could be a dental cause.