A warm cup of hot chocolate. A cozy hat. A sizzling fire. There are so many things about winter that make you smile. Unfortunately, the cold weather can cause some uncomfortable symptoms as you flash those pearly whites! Here are three of the most common issues that affect our mouth during the cold months and what you can do to help them.
Tooth Sensitivity
You may have experienced the uncomfortable moment when you are enjoying some ice cream and your teeth have a sharp twinge of sensitivity due to the chilled treat. During winter, breathing in the chilly air can have the same effect! Teeth sensitivity to cold weather is common as your teeth contract and expand to temperature changes (especially when you are transitioning from outdoors to indoors)
Your pearly whites can also have heightened sensitivity when your enamel becomes thinner. Enamel is the hard, shiny outer layer of your teeth; it provides protection to the softer tissues inside. The acids in plaque that come from the things we eat and drink can begin to wear it down, resulting in tooth sensitivity.
Here are some following tips on how to help with this common winter issue:
- If your sensitivity last for 30 seconds or longer, schedule an appointment sooner rather than later, as it could indicate something like a cavity or infection.
- Breathe through your nose when you are outside.
- Consider switching to a desensitizing toothpaste.
- During outdoor activities, think about wearing a balaclava that covers your mouth.
Dry Mouth
Humidity in the air tends to decrease during the winter, which can make your mouth feel dry. Other contributing factors can be indoor heating (especially wood heat) and viral cold and flu infections. A dry mouth can lead to oral health issues. When there is no saliva in your mouth to wash away bacteria, plaque and tartar collect, which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. The excess bacteria can also lead to gum disease and erosion of enamel. Here’s how you can keep your mouth hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stimulate saliva production by chewing on sugar-free gum.
- Cut back on your caffeine intake.
- Use a humidifier in your home.
Chapped Lips (Cheilitis)
In addition to making your mouth feel dry, low humidity can also take the moisture out of your lips, causing them to become chapped. When your lips become too dry, they can crack, which can be quite painful. Once again, a humidifier and drinking plenty of fluids will help to alleviate chapped lips. Also, applying a high-quality lip balm will add moisture as you go throughout your day. It will also add an extra barrier of protection, especially when stepping out into the cold.
Winter is a wonderful time of the year. As you enjoy the colder season, keep these tips in mind and take care of your oral health so your smile will remain happy and healthy!
About the Practice
Davis, Roberts, Boeller & Rife serve Englewood and the surrounding areas through the expertise of their team of dentists. With decades of combined experience, they provide general and specialty services to help you achieve your best smile throughout every season! Their preventive dentistry focuses on gentle and personalized care while using state-of-the-art dental technology. To schedule a checkup and exam to keep your pearly whites winter fresh, contact them through their website or call (941) 474-6466.