Many people experience tooth pain or sensitivity when the cold weather arrives. The good news is that this common winter complaint has clear causes—and several effective solutions.

What Causes Teeth to Hurt in Cold Temperatures?

Our teeth are made of dentin, which is covered by a harder protective layer called enamel. When exposed to sudden cold air—even briefly—the dentin can contract slightly.
This tiny contraction can expose sensitive parts of the tooth to cold air inhaled through the mouth, triggering sharp pain or sensitivity. Once the mouth closes, the temperature returns to normal (around 36.7°C), and the dentin and enamel expand again.

For people who grind their teeth, hairline cracks may develop over time. These cracks are often invisible but can expand and contract with temperature changes, worsening sensitivity in winter.

How to Prevent Cold-Induced Tooth Pain

The best way to avoid sensitivity from cold air is simply to stay warm:

• Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to limit cold airflow over your teeth.

• If nose-breathing is difficult, cover your mouth with a scarf to warm the air before it enters.

• Use desensitising toothpaste, which coats exposed dentin and helps reduce sensitivity.

Clenching and Grinding in Winter

Cold weather can also make people clench their jaw or grind their teeth—sometimes unconsciously—in an effort to stay warm.
This tension can lead to jaw pain, tooth pain, and even cracks over time.
If you clench your teeth, focus on relaxing the jaw muscles and letting the lower jaw drop naturally.

Other Possible Causes of Cold Tooth Pain

Not all cold sensitivity is due to temperature alone. Other dental issues may be involved, including:

• Old amalgam fillings that expand and contract with temperature changes, sometimes cracking the surrounding tooth structure

• Gum infections, which can cause significant sensitivity or sharp pain when exposed to cold air

If you experience ongoing sensitivity, it’s important to have it assessed. Call  Dr Daniel Kaufman and the team at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris for personalized treatment options and advice.

Stay warm, and don’t ignore those chilly warning signs from your teeth!