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Does Hot Weather Cause Tooth Pain?

Posted on 7/23/2019 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

If you've ever felt immediate pain in a tooth after drinking something hot, you know how hot beverages can trigger sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things, including receding gums and a loss of enamel.

But have you ever experienced tooth pain simply by breathing in hot or cold air? During the hot summer months, it's actually possible for warm air to cause the same sort of reaction. There are also a few other ways that hot weather can lead to tooth pain.

Your Lips Dry Out

When your lips dry out, they can become cracked and chapped. This can cause infection, which in turn can lead to worse tooth pain. Cracked lips also make it more difficult for you to keep your mouth closed since you will want to drink more water or lick your lips more often. The lips insulate the teeth, so every time you open your mouth, you invite hot air in.

It May be Sinus Issues

The pain you feel may not actually come from your teeth at all, even though it feels like it is. Sinuses and allergies can all cause pain in your mouth. This is much more common during warmer weather since you may be outdoors more often and the pollen counts are much higher. If you've come in for an exam and we can't find any evidence of damage to your teeth or gums, the issue may be allergies. Often, taking an over-the-counter medication such as an antihistamine or decongestant helps relieve this pain.

If you've felt pain in your teeth when breathing in really warm air, it may be a sign of a cavity or that a dental filling or crown has come loose. The best thing to do is to call us as soon as you can to make an appointment for a checkup.

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