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If so, you’re not alone. An estimated one in eight people experiences tooth sensitivity during the colder weather. Sometimes increased tooth sensitivity is linked to other problems like untreated tooth decay or teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). However, sometimes, there are other reasons as the temperature changes can affect your tooth structure.

Although everyone is different the most common symptom for sensitive teeth is a sudden, sharp flash of pain when teeth are exposed to cold air, sweet, acidic or hot foods or if the enamel is worn down causing the dentin in the teeth to be exposed.

Your tooth dentine is made up of tiny hollow tubes, surrounding the tooth nerve. These microscopic fractures allow cold sensations to penetrate the tubes, reaching the tooth nerve and creating sensitivity.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and are not sure of the reason or would like further information or treatments,  we highly recommend you book in with one of our dentists at One Smile to help discuss further and see how we can help you.

Mouth ulcers can be extremely painful, and if you suffer from them frequently, it’s possible you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is responsible for making red blood cells, and it helps release energy from food and keeps your nervous system healthy. When you don’t have enough vitamin B12, your body can produce red blood cells that are too large, and which won’t function properly. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also linked to anaemia, where people don’t have enough red blood cells or have a low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause several symptoms, one of which is mouth ulcers. Other signs include feeling extremely tired or having a lack of energy, or noticing your tongue is sore and red. If it’s possible you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, some of the symptoms can be irreversible when you are deficient in this vitamin for too long. Good sources of vitamin B12 include eggs, meat, dairy products and fish, and you’ll also find it in fortified breakfast cereals.

Winter is here and with it the colder temperatures, but this season, don’t let the cold affect your oral health. Follow our easy tips to help keep your mouth in perfect condition.

1. Chapped Lips

Treat yourself to a good quality lip salve with a high SPF and use it frequently. Additionally, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Cold Sores

Cold sores can appear with the colder weather and are often a sign of a weakened immune system. Try not to touch your mouth too frequently, and if you do feel a cold sore developing, immediately apply a topical cream to help fight the infection.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

It’s very common to find your teeth feel more sensitive in colder weather or when you eat cold foods. If you do have tooth sensitivity, visit One Smile for a checkup, just to make sure it’s not caused by tooth decay or gum disease. Otherwise, try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth which can be extremely effective.

4. Tooth Decay

It’s tempting to indulge in richer and sweeter comfort foods during the colder months, but this can increase your risk of cavities. Make sure your winter diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and sugar-free dairy products like cheese and natural yoghurt that are high in calcium.