4 Ways The Cold Weather Might Be Impacting Your Mouth (Yes, Really)

So, in the spirit of staying informed – and preventing any issues from cropping up when the worst of the cold weather hits – here are just some of the ways cooler climes can impact your gnashers.

1. Tooth sensitivity

Dr Juneja said one of the most frequent issues dentists see during winter is tooth sensitivity.

When your tooth enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) becomes worn or thin, the underlying dentin and nerves are more exposed.

This means external stimuli – like hot or cold substances (yes, your morning coffee en route to work is very much included in that) – can reach the nerve and cause a sharp, shooting pain.

If you’ve noticed a bit of sensitivity, the dentist advises using a desensitising toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, as well as avoiding acidic foods and whitening products that can thin the enamel further.

2. Cracked teeth and damaged fillings

Unfortunately, cold temperatures can also make teeth and dental restorations (like fillings and crowns) more brittle, said the dentist.

This is because when you go from warm to cold environments rapidly, your teeth can expand and contract slightly. Over time, this stress may lead to micro-fractures in enamel or even damage old fillings.

If you notice pain when biting or temperature sensitivity in a specific area, Dr Juneja recommends scheduling a dental check-up promptly, as early detection prevents small cracks from turning into a bigger issue.

3. Dry mouth and chapped lips

It’s not just your teeth which might be feeling the strain as the winter weather hits, as you ramp your heating up, you might notice you have a dry mouth. This can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and discomfort, said the dentist. You might notice your lips feel positively desert-like, too.

Dr Juneja’s advice? Stay hydrated, use a humidifier at home, and consider sugar-free lozenges or gum to stimulate saliva flow. He also advises applying a protective lip balm to prevent cracked lips and corners of the mouth.

4. Jaw tension and tooth grinding

Lastly, cold weather can cause people to clench their jaws or grind their teeth subconsciously, said the dentist, especially if you’re spending a fair bit of time shivering.

“This can worsen temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, lead to headaches, and wear down tooth enamel,” he said.

If you’ve noticed you’re a winter clencher, try relaxation exercises and keeping your face warm with a scarf. And don’t forget to ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep.

Keeping on top of dental check-ups can also help flag any signs of tooth damage or decay early on.