With winter temps in St. Paul, MN often dropping to single digits or below, the residents in the part of the country know what cold feels like. But some people claim to feel the cold in other ways, and in fact, some people experience tooth pain with colder temperatures. Why is that? Yourdentist in St. Paul, MN at St. Anthony Park Dental Care may be able to shed some light on the answer.

Can Teeth Really Feel the Weather?

If you’ve ever heard anyone say that their teeth ache when it gets cold, you probably have a healthy dose of cynicism. But even though it’s not common, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many people do actually have this sensation, and it’s not a delusion.

How Can Teeth Hurt in Cold Weather?

When the temperature drops, the nerves inside the teeth may react to the chill. Enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, acts as a protective shield. If it’s worn down due to grinding, cavities, or acidic erosion, the sensitive dentin underneath is exposed. This layer has tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center, which can trigger discomfort when exposed to extreme cold. Makes more sense now, right?

Other Factors That Play Into It

Beyond sensitivity, weather-related discomfort could signal underlying issues like gum recession or an undiagnosed dental condition. Gum recession exposes the tooth roots, which are not protected by enamel, leaving them highly sensitive. Sinus infections, more common in winter, can also mimic tooth pain, especially in the upper molars, as sinuses react to weather changes.

The next time someone says their teeth ache when it gets cold, you might advise them to book an appointment for adental exam in St. Paul, MN. You could just be doing them a huge favor!

This is a question that’s often asked when people get serious about dental treatments. You may know that an orthodontist in St. Paul has specialty training, but you might not know which professional you should see when you have a dental-related issue. We’ll look at how to choose between the two.

Education and Background

A dentist in St. Paul has a similar education to an orthodontist. Both need to earn their bachelor’s before going onto a 4-year program. However, an orthodontist will then go onto complete a residency in orthodontics after earning either their DDS or DMD degree.

When You Need a Dentist

Dentists perform general treatments, such as fillings, crowns, gum cleaning, general cleaning, and bridges. So if you have a cavity and you need X-rays, you can count on a dentist to make it happen. It should be noted that some dentists will have crossover education without having done the whole nine yards of orthodontic treatments. This means they may offer low-level orthodontic services, though most will refer their patients to a specialist. It all depends on the extent of the problem and what’s been done to fix it.

When You Need an Orthodontist in St. Paul

Crowded teeth, severe overbites, or gaps in the teeth are all reasons to see an orthodontist. These professionals have been trained to straighten teeth, align your jaw, and work with your facial muscles. If you need braces, clear aligners, wires, retainers, or other major appliances, they can help you decide which course will be right for you. At St. Anthony Park Dental Care, we’re here whether you need a cleaning or a full round of braces. Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you want to set up an appointment with either specialist.