Although winter brings with it colds, flu, and coughs, does this mean that your teeth become more sensitive? The cold winds can cause damage to your jawbone, gums, and teeth. Because the tooth structure’s outer layer is sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures, this can happen. How can you treat a toothache? You can reduce your chances of suffering from pain by trying natural remedies.
CuredCare reached out to Dr Anjani Kumar Pathak (Professor, Department of Periodontology King George’s Medical University Lucknow) in order to find out the causes of winter toothache and how to treat it at home.
Winter causes of toothache
Dr. Kumar says that cold weather can cause your teeth to hurt. Your teeth change in response to heat or cold. This can lead to cracks in your teeth over time. This is the same toothache you experience from cavities, gum disease, or other poor oral habits.
Here are 10 winter home remedies to toothache
1. Warm beverages to sip
Warm beverages such as warm water, green tea or milk will prevent your enamel and dentin from shrinking in cold temperatures. Warm beverages reduce the pain caused by toothache and increase blood flow.
2. Keep hydrated
Water will increase the production of bacteria-fighting saliva in your mouth and rinse out any remaining bacteria from your teeth. It will also prevent dry mouth.
3. Clove oil
Clove oil has the active ingredient, eugenol. This is a natural anesthetic. It reduces pain and discomfort, which can help relieve toothaches.
4. Vitamin D should be increased
Vitamin D is essential for tooth mineralization and bone health. Tooth decay and fragile teeth can result in tooth cracking or breaking.
5. Avoid using whitening products
Tooth whitening products, such as gels or strips, can cause tooth sensitivity to increase.
6. Breathe through the nose
Cover your mouth with a scarf and inhale through your nose to prevent cold air from damaging your teeth. This will stop cold air from entering your mouth and prevent you from breathing in mouth-to-mouth.
7. Warm saltwater rinses
Warm saline rinses can be helpful in relieving pain and swelling. It is antimicrobial and can reduce swelling, inflamed and irritated gums, as well as inflammation.
8. Reduce your intake of acidic beverages
You should reduce your intake of acidic drinks like carbonated beverages, because they can slowly wear away small pieces of enamel.
9. Brush twice daily
Even if you are suffering from a toothache, keep brushing your teeth just like normal. Use a high-quality toothpaste twice daily to clean your teeth. If you don’t clean your teeth, it can lead to cavities and bacterial encrustation. This can also lead to swelling.
10. Flossing
The acid produced by plaque bacteria can cause damage to your tooth enamel. Flossing daily can help prevent decay between your teeth.
