What Causes Mouth Sensitivity For Cold Air And Occasional Pain In Upper Teeth?

Posted on Sat, 16 Apr 2016

Question: Since the beginning of this winter season, the roof of my mouth seems to react to cold air. After being outdoors I experience low to moderate pain, no numbness or tingling. I have not been able to relieve the pain on my own, just wait for it to go away. It usually lasts about 30 - 60 minutes on average. Cold liquids or food do not create this pain, only cold air. Also, starting about 6 months ago, I have occasional pain in my upper teeth. I stems from the front incisor tooth and travels to the right side of my mouth. This is not affected by cold. I normally don't have the both pains at the same time. FYI I wear a retainer at night to straighten same front tooth (not every night). I do take Aleve or Advil for relief. Any idea why I'm having these pains, more concerned about the roof of my mouth, as I believe the tooth pain is caused by the retainer, but not 100% sure on that. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Might be due to retainer, inappropriate pressure, needs evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain it seems that pain in roof of the mouth can be due to wearing of the retainer as many a time if the forces applied by the retainer wires over the teeth and palate is not appropriate it can cause severe discomfort and pain..

Another reason can be pressure rising from sinuses if you ever experience sinus infection or Sinusitis like symptoms..

Kindly answer the following questions so that I can guide you further..

1.Can you see any redness or sores on the palate?
2.Is the pain more in the morning after removal of the retainer or can occur spontaneously any time after exposure to cold air?
3.Since how long you are wearing the retainer?
4.Do you also experience any other symptoms like nasal congestion or pain on face?
5.Is the pain present on entire palate or on right side only?
6. Do you have any medical problems?

Kindly revert back with the answers..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (34 minutes later)

Thank you for your prompt reply.
1. There is no redness or sores on roof of mouth.
2. The pain on the roof of mouth is directly related to cold. Tooth pain (that I believe is related to retainer) does not occur every day, maybe once a week at most, and not always after wearing the retainer.
3. I've had the retainer since April 2013. Last check up with orthodontist was December.
4. No nasal congestion or other pain on face.
5. Pain is primarily on the hard palate, directly behind the teeth. The soft palate is not affected.
6. I'm taking synthroid for hypothyroidism. I am 5'4", weigh 135 lbs. and walk regularly and in good health.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Might be related to sinuses, needs evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

Thanks for the reply..

As you are experiencing pain on hard palate with cold air only it seems to be related to Sinus infection or Sinus inflammation..
You need to get a clinical evaluation as well as investigations like X ray..
I would suggest you to consult an Otolaryngologist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like PNS View x ray or MRI Scan of sinuses can help in diagnosis and after a thorough evaluation only the treatment can be advised..
As of now you should avoid direct exposure to cold and dry air..
At home also you can use a humidifier to breath warm and moist air..
You can take painkiller to relieve pain if needed..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak