Winter is well on its way, with colder temperatures and long nights here to stay for the next few months. However, did you realize the changing seasons can affect your oral health? Read on to discover how to reduce the impact of winter on your dental health.
Dry Mouth
A healthy mouth needs plenty of saliva to keep it lubricated and fresh, but if you have a winter cold and a stuffy nose, you are more likely to end up breathing through your mouth, resulting in a drier mouth than normal. Dry mouth, a condition called xerostomia, is also more common amongst people taking prescription medication as it is a frequent side effect. When your mouth is drier, it is less able to fight bacterial infections. You can combat this side-effect by making sure you frequently sip on water or chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva flow.
Tooth Decay
Winter celebrations mean more indulgent and sugary foods are readily available. If you are enjoying yourself with friends and family, then it can be easy to forget to brush and floss regularly. Instead, try to stick to your normal oral care routine, making sure you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to help get rid of excess sugars and dental plaque, reducing your risk of getting a cavity in Newcastle.
Tooth Sensitivity
Breathing in on a freezing cold day can be enough to cause tooth sensitivity, ranging from mild discomfort to a sharp pain. It can be helpful to place a scarf over your mouth when you go outside or another item of clothing to act as a barrier. Another thing to try is using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You usually need to use this toothpaste for several weeks to get the full effect. However, if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s always best to come and see us at West Bowmanville Family Dental for a checkup. Sometimes tooth sensitivity can be due to an untreated dental problem, and our dentist in Clarington can soon diagnose any issues and provide suitable treatment.
Mouth Sores
Mouth ulcers or canker sores and cold sores tend to occur more frequently during winter. Cold sores are very contagious and related to the herpes simplex virus, while canker sores are not contagious, but both can be very painful and place your immune system under stress.
If you do have canker sores, you can relieve the discomfort by rinsing with a warm saltwater mouthwash made by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the mouth rinse around for up to 30 seconds before spitting it out. Usually, a mouth ulcer will heal within a week or two and won’t need any treatment. However, if you have a painful mouth sore that fails to heal properly, please contact our dental office in Courtice for help and advice.
If you have cold sores, there are numerous over-the-counter topical creams to help relieve the pain and because they are so contagious, make sure you don’t share utensils or towels or kiss anyone else until the cold sore has healed.
Don’t Forget Your Regular Checkups
If you are at all concerned about your dental health or it’s been a while since your last checkup, don’t forget to schedule your appointment now. Our dentist can gently check your teeth and gums for any signs of oral disease, and our hygienist can clean your teeth professionally. A professional dental cleaning is a super nice treatment that will leave your mouth feeling fresh, while polishing your teeth helps remove some surface stains, leaving them nice and bright for the holiday season.