Winter is a great time to reconnect with loved ones by binge-watching holiday movies, eating seasonal treats, and playing in the snow. As fun as the colder months are, they also come with their fair share of oral health issues. So, how can you enjoy the season to the fullest while also making it to Spring with your oral health intact? Read on for five tips that will help you keep winter mouth issues at bay.
Tip #1: Wear Lip Balm
During the winter months, the lower humidity levels make the skin on your lips dry out and crack. This also makes you more susceptible to the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Wear lip balm that contains SPF to keep your lips moist and wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading the virus when you touch your face.
Tip #2: Stay Warm
When it’s cold outside, our muscles and joints tend to tense up more than usual. This causes muscles, tendons, and surrounding tissues to expand, which can be uncomfortable. Those who have problems with their TMJ may also experience additional tightness or discomfort. Stay warm by wearing layers, drinking hot beverages, and keeping your heat on at home to ease muscle and joint stiffness.
Tip #3: Drink Lots of Water
When your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva, this results in dry mouth. Untreated dry mouth can raise your chances of developing cavities, mouth sores, gum disease, and a range of other oral health issues. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid these issues. You can also chew sugar free-gum, eat sugar-free hard candy, or much on fresh, crisp fruits and veggies to increase saliva production.
Tip #4: Pick the Right Toothpaste
For some, tooth sensitivity worsens during the winter. This is due to additional pressure being put on the nerves beneath the surface of the teeth when the weather goes from hot to cold. Hot and cold foods and drinks can worsen the sensitivity and cause sharp bursts of pain. By desensitizing toothpaste to protect the nerves in the teeth and lessen discomfort.
Tip #5: Use a Humidifier
There is less moisture in cold air than in hot air. For this reason, winter is much more humid than the warmer months. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air to keep your skin well hydrated.
Don’t let oral health problems get in the way of your seasonal fun. With these five tips, you can show winter mouth issues whose boss!
About the Practice
Dr. Gus Bal leads the oral health experts at Bal Dental Centre with kindness and compassion that trickles down to the patients. The talented team strives to make sure patients feel comfortable and well cared for from the moment they enter the office. If you’re struggling with winter mouth issues, they can administer preventive care like checkups and cleanings and offer tips on how to keep your oral health intact all season long. Call Bal Dental Centre at (416) 267-6789 or visit their website for more information on their many service offerings or to schedule an appointment.
