Ask a Dentist

Q: Why do my teeth start to hurt when the weather gets a little cooler?

A person covers their mouth with their jacket.

Having teeth that are sensitive to cool weather is a pain, especially living in a place like Winnipeg! Luckily, there are ways to reduce the sensitivity.

First, it’s important to understand what is causing the sensitivity. It’s often the result of worn down enamel and exposed root surfaces. The earlier you learn to manage the factors contributing to these issues, the better chance you’ll have at reducing the sensitivity.

Aggressive or improper brushing technique, grinding or clenching your teeth, and crooked teeth with an improper bite can cause trauma to the root and tissues of your teeth, resulting in sensitivity.

Our Garden City dentists and St. Vital dentists recommend the following to build and maintain healthy teeth (before winter!):

  1. Use an extra soft bristled toothbrush. When bristles are too hard they wear down the enamel and irritate/push back the gums.
  2. Brush in a circular motion. This way you’re not smashing the toothbrush and its bristles against your teeth or gums. Do not scrub side-to-side. It is healthier to brush towards the biting surface of your teeth.
  3. Depending on your level of sensitivity, you may want to look into using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. These should be used on a consistent basis in order to maintain a level of sensitivity protection.
  4. Visit your dentist to assess your bite. We can discuss options for preventing traumatic grinding and for straightening the teeth.

Schedule an appointment with our Winnipeg dentists today!

Book Your Next Dental Appointment Today

Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!

Book Now