Sadly enough, it isn’t just holidays that arrive in December. Oral problems linked to cold weather can also start cropping up this month. To protect yourself against them, you’ll want to prepare and grasp the appropriate prevention and management methods. There’s no need to worry too much, though; your Kittanning dentist is here to share the relevant practices with you. Just keep reading to learn the best ways to combat winter mouth issues before the holidays begin.
Stay Well-Hydrated
First and foremost, remember to stay hydrated this season. You’ll have a healthier grin if you do.
The harsh truth is that winter’s dry air can dry out your mouth. When it does, it deprives you of saliva and thus increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, etc. You can (re)moisten your mouth, though, by drinking enough water throughout the day. You’ll then ensure your smile doesn’t attract as much harmful bacteria.
Keep Yourself Warm
You can also protect your winter oral health by keeping warm. With this habit, your smile is less likely to feel sore and achy.
Low temperatures tend to make joints and muscles tense up. Given that fact, winter can easily aggravate pain for people with TMJ disorders. The best way to respond is by warming yourself through various means – scarves, sweaters, blankets, etc. That way, nippy weather won’t cause your jaw to ache more than usual.
Use a Daily Lip Balm
Using a good, daily lip balm goes a long way in winter. From December to February, the habit should keep aspects of your oral health stable.
Winter’s chill often affects the delicate skin on your lips, drying them out. The chapped area can then experience unpleasant peeling, itching, cracking, and so on. A lip balm would prevent such effects by applying SPF to your lips, protecting them from dry weather. It’d also have the added benefit of making your mouth look nicer.
Get the Right Toothpaste
Of course, lip balm isn’t the only oral tool you should consider in winter. You’d also do well to get the right kind of toothpaste.
It comes down to whether you have sensitive teeth. If you do, the extreme temperatures from cold, wintry air or piping hot beverages could cause your mouth to ache. Getting (and using) toothpaste for sensitive teeth can stop this pain, though; its ingredients shield exposed dentin. Such shielding would then let you enjoy the holidays without discomfort.
If you’d like, you can always learn other ways to combat winter mouth issues. Just contact your local dental provider – they’ll gladly tell you more!
About the Practice
Voller Dentistry is based in Kittanning, PA. Led by Dr. Ray Voller, our practice takes pride in its long history of comprehensive and personalized dental care. We’ve consistently offered quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments for 40+ years, and we’ll keep doing so. That means you can trust us to help your smile shine and thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (724)-543-4948.