Keeping your teeth healthy in the Winter

The coldest months of the year are upon us. As tempting as it may be to stay inside and curl up by your fireplace, it may do more damage than good if you don’t take the proper seasonal precautions.  Dental care isn’t usually the first thing you think about when it comes to staying warm when outdoors. The air outside is much dryer in the winter than it is during the summer, which creates issues for your mouth because it can dehydrate you much quicker.

Beware of dry mouth

Winter can be just as harmful to your body as summer is, so it is important to still continue care even if it’s not as hot outside.  Since the outdoor temperatures fall drastically, the air is unable to hold as much moisture as it would in other seasons. Cold air dries out your skin, your eyes and your mouth. Some people that have pre-existing issues with their oral health known as “dry mouth”, winter is usually not as fun of a time. Drinking water is one way to improve your mouths overall oral functionality, as it keeps your body and your mouth hydrated, helps your body to produce saliva, keeps everything moving round fluently, washes away food and drink particles, and it diminishes the amount of bacteria that is often left in your mouth. When bacteria are left in your mouth and your oral hygiene levels become low, it can lead to things like tooth decay, receding gums, and periodontal disease.

Almost as cold as digging your tooth into an ice cream scoop

Tooth sensitivity is common in just about everyone, especially when it comes to overly cold or hot temperatures.  During the winter if hit the right way, the air can be cold enough to cause tooth pain. Extreme cold can be one of the many reasons why your joints and muscles around your mouth/jaw tighten or lock up. Jaw discomfort is big in individuals that have temporomandibular joint disorder.

December is notorious for being cold and flu season, so during this month your immune system is more than likely going to be hard at work trying to fight off whatever virus comes your way. When your body is “sick” or fighting off an infection, our oral hygiene isn’t always in tip top shape. Because of this, it becomes easier for gum infections to fester and spread around in your mouth. If you become sick and your gum lines are already in rough shape, you’re probably better off calling Pleasant St Dental .

Canker Sores… everyone gets them, but nobody likes to address them

A canker sore is a spot in your mouth that easily gets triggered during cold and flu season.  The cold, dry air makes the soft tissue in your mouth more susceptible to bacteria, infections and injuries. What many people don’t know is that your mouths saliva is there for a reason, and if your mouth is too dry to promote the growth of saliva, germs and bacteria can more easily build up. When we get a common cold, the flu, or anything that brings our body down long enough it can become compromised leading us to develop a canker sore. Some say that a canker sore will come on due to stress, injuries and your body is trying to heal it, acidic fruits/vegetables or spicy foods.

It’s important to stay on top of dental hygiene practices and make regular visits to your dentist at Pleasant St Dental. These practices include flossing daily, brushing at least twice in one day, replacing your toothbrush, get regular cleanings and check-ups, eat a balanced diet, and always drink lots of water.

When’s the last time your mouth had a check up? Contact us today!