Chill out and smile! Five ways to turn wintertime toothaches into smiles

The average winter temperature in South Dakota hovers around 20 degrees. Although we’re used to such weather, South Dakotans may notice a little pain in their smiles come wintertime. Breathing in ice-cold air can cause tooth sensitivity, resulting in sharp pain and discomfort that can last all day.

Looking for ways to prevent wintertime toothaches?  Try these tips next time you are caught in the cold:

Tips to prevent wintertime toothaches

Breathe through your nose

Breathing in the crisp air through your mouth can make teeth more sensitive. If you’re outside, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Your lips, tongue and cheeks will keep your chattering teeth insulated.

Use fluoride toothpaste

If you’re not using fluoride toothpaste already, avoiding tooth pain in the wintertime is the perfect reason to start. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, which helps protect teeth from chilly temperatures.

Brush with ease

We love an enthusiastic brusher but brushing too hard can wear down enamel and push back gums, causing sensitivity. Continue to brush twice a day but be sure to take it easy on your teeth and gums.

Avoid the grind

Are you a teeth grinder? Grinding your teeth wears down enamel and can expose dentin, the sensitive center of your teeth. This can increase your teeth’s sensitivity, which can increase toothaches in the winter months. If you grind, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouthguard at night.

Go to the dentist

Although the winter can be a busy time of year, it’s important to see your dentist! Tooth sensitivity can be an indicator of another problem, such as a cavity or cracked tooth. Stick to your regular checkups to ensure a pain-free smile!

*Update January 2023