Winter Cycling - It hurts to swallow/chew after a cold ride

When I ride in the cold, lets say 20F or below, for more than a few miles I find that when I get home and try to drink/eat something I get a cramp somewhere in my lower jaw from chewing/swallowing. I typically haven't been wearing a balaclava because I get to hot.

Do you guys ever have anything like this happen? Other than waiting to warm up longer before having a recovery drink etc., can you recommend something to help? Thanks.

Even at 35-40 degrees my face and jaw muscles tighten up. Goes away in minutes when I get inside.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one ;)

I was beginning to think I was crazy...wait, I ride through winter in the mid-west...I am crazy!!

Try relaxing your jaw when you ride ... you're probably subconsciously clenching. And you might consider using a neck gaiter.

Hot coffee and warm biscuit every morning after the commute does the trick for me.

I did burn the inside of my mouth today but at -42c what did you expect after breathing to fast ouch!

When I ride in the cold, lets say 20F or below, for more than a few miles I find that when I get home and try to drink/eat something I get a cramp somewhere in my lower jaw from chewing/swallowing. I typically haven't been wearing a balaclava because I get to hot.

Do you guys ever have anything like this happen? Other than waiting to warm up longer before having a recovery drink etc., can you recommend something to help? Thanks.

What kind of balaclava are you wearing? If it is a thin one like i use, you should be able to wear it comfortably in anything under 32F. At least i can. Again, mine is VERY thin and lightweight with a very light brush on the inside.

What kind of balaclava are you wearing? If it is a thin one like i use, you should be able to wear it comfortably in anything under 32F. At least i can. Again, mine is VERY thin and lightweight with a very light brush on the inside.

Mine is very thin synthetic/wicking material. The neck portion is microfleece. I may start wearing it again under 25F and see if I still get 'cold jaw'.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I did wear the balaclava today, and though I was a bit warm at 17F, I did not have any jaw pain after the ride. I guess I'll just have to get used to being toasty ;)

Or try a neck gaiter like I mentioned before. It doesn't cover the head ... well the balaclava doesn't have to either for that matter.

Breath through your nose - it may become runny, but that is what is suppose to happen in the cold it is adaptation.

Breath through your nose - it may become runny, but that is what is suppose to happen in the cold it is adaptation.

Due to my messed up sinuses, I cannot get enough O2 when the HR goes up through my nose.

Yup basically, I'm a mouth breather ;)

Gargle with Listerine a few times a day to kill the cold germs. You might be coming down with something.

Gargle with Listerine a few times a day to kill the cold germs. You might be coming down with something.

RE: my sinus problems originate from breaking my nose when I was 5.

Actually, last week I did get sick. Basically I found the solution was just to wear the balaclava anyway. The other day when it got a little warm, I just pulled the balaclava all the down around my throat. It wasn't the most comfortable thing, but it seemed to still get the job done.

Thanks again all!