Winter has arrived, and it brings a number of dental concerns with it. Believe it or not, colder weather can increase your risk for certain oral health issues. As such, if you want to keep your smile safe during the upcoming months, then it’s important to make sure that you’re familiar with these 3 dental issues linked to cold weather and the steps you can take to prevent or address them.
1. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
One of the side effects of breathing colder air is that it can reduce the temperature inside your mouth. This can cause the enamel protecting your teeth to contract slightly, creating small openings that leave the nerves more exposed. As a result, your teeth may be more sensitive than normal, resulting in discomfort whenever you eat or drink something that’s particularly hot or cold.
One way to combat this problem is to focus on breathing through your nose. That way, the winter air will bypass your mouth. Additionally, there are several steps you can take to manage existing sensitivity. For example, you can use a toothpaste that’s specifically designed to be used on sensitive teeth, or you can start rinsing with fluoride-based mouthwash.
2. Dry Mouth
Lots of people find themselves suffering from dry mouth in the winter due to there being less moisture in the air, which can lead to reduced saliva production. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can ultimately result in bigger problems; with less saliva in your mouth, it will be easier for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease to thrive.
If you want to prevent dry mouth, you should make a point of staying hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and stay away from caffeinated beverages that can inhibit saliva production. It may also be a good idea to invest in a humidifier to add a bit of moisture to the air at home.
3. Chapped Lips
The longer your lips are exposed to the cold winter winds, the more likely they are to become chapped. This can lead to soreness and other unpleasant symptoms.
Like with dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is essential if you want to prevent chapped lips. On top of that, you can pick up some lip balm that contains ingredients that keep the lips hydrated, such as petroleum jelly.
The winter months are not the best time of year for your smile, but there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your mouth comfortable and healthy. Don’t forget that you always have the option of calling your dentist to see how they recommend dealing with any oral problems that have arisen due to cold weather.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Lee is a graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. He currently holds membership with various organizations, such as the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. At Total Dental Care: Tony Lee, DMD in St. Augustine, he helps his patients maintain healthy smiles with various preventive and restorative services. If you are concerned about an oral health issue that might be linked to cold weather, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee by visiting his website or calling (904) 808-8779.