Oral Health in Winter

Winter is here and with it, comes the drastic change of weather. When it’s cold outside, your exposed skin isn’t the only part of your body that suffers; can also have an impact on your oral health significantly.

Keeping good oral health is a year-round responsibility. This post will take a closer look at how your mouth can be affected by cold weather and what you can do about it. 

Weather sensitivity can occur regardless of how well you care for your teeth, but you’re at greater risk if you don’t practice good oral hygiene and live in an area that has extreme temperature swings. If you find that you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are tons of tricks you can do to help avoid discomfort. These include using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or even rinsing out your mouth with salt water.  

Brush your teeth slowly as overzealous tooth brushing can abrade enamel, causing sensitivity. Consult with your dentist to determine whether you’re using the brushing technique

Another reason to avoid acidic food is canker sores. Canker sores can appear for a variety of reasons, including stress, minor injuries and cold weather also. If you’re already suffering, try swishing a mixture of one teaspoon of salt and a half-cup of water to help clean the sores for mouth rinses, pastes and medication for faster healing. 

In winter, Be mindful of sugar intake. Cut down if possible.  Anything is OK in moderation. When it comes to your oral health, sweets and sugar-laden foods can help accelerate tooth decay. They are sticky foods and since there is less amount of water/fluid intake during winters because people don’t feel dehydrated, such foodstuffs have a higher chance of causing cavities.

Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpastes which are plain. 

Do not bite on anything very cold and wear appropriate clothing to help stay warm and prevent you from clenching your teeth.

Less moisture in the air can lead to less saliva production and a feeling of dry mouth. Staying hydrated will keep your body producing a healthy amount of saliva. 

Usage of a mouthguard will also eliminate the possibility of any sort of dental injuries. Hence you should also wear a mouthguard during the winter months. Consult Dr Jessie Jacob at Signature Smilez Family Dentistry if you’re unsure. 

Whether you’re just starting to struggle with sensitivity or constantly experiencing problems in cold weather, it’s worth visiting Signature Smilez Family Dental and finding a solution to resolve your pain. Knowing how to maintain your oral health during colder weather will reduce the likelihood of experiencing common dental issues, leaving you with the chance to relax and have a good time.