The new year has arrived, and for many Americans around the country, this means they are deep in the heart of winter. Winter snow storms and plummeting temperatures leave many people with chattering teeth. However, as someone who is experiencing daily teeth aches, you may not have realized this time of year is the reason for your pain. Here's what you need to know about aching teeth in winter, and what you can do about it.

Why Do Teeth Hurt In Winter?

There are two reasons why the cold winter weather is causing your teeth to hurt.

1. When you breathe cold air in through your mouth, the temperature of the air causes sensitive areas in your mouth to react. Your teeth, for example, will contract when the cold air rushes in, but expand again when you close your mouth and the temperature warms back up. These constant contractions can cause very tiny cracks to form in your teeth. Once these cracks become exposed to the cold air, the sensitivity and pain increases.
2. Cold temperatures also cause teeth to chatter when you are shivering. When trying to stop the chattering, people often clench their jaws in an effort to keep the teeth still. A clenched jaw can cause enamel erosion of your teeth because while the jaw is clenched the teeth can grind against each other.

Now you know why your teeth are hurting, you need to consider the different ways to fix the problem.

How Do You Stop Sore Teeth In Winter?

There are two things you can do to reduce the pain your teeth feel in the cold months. The first step is to visit your dentist to have any damage repaired. You may be in need of fillings because of the grinding of your teeth. Cracks in the enamel can be sealed to prevent cold air penetrating through to the sensitive pulp below.

Secondly, when you are outside in the cold air, make a conscious effort not to breathe through your mouth if you can help it. By breathing through your nose, the cold air won't cause a temperature change that causes the teeth to contract. Also, make sure you are dressed up warmly every time you head outside so your teeth don't chatter and your jaw doesn't clench.

Don't ignore constant tooth pain during the winter. Instead, make an appointment to see your dentist because ignored dental pain can lead to long-lasting damage.