Blog

Many illnesses and ailments increase during winter months. Dental problems are not the exception when the weather outside is bad. Cold and dry air can wreak havoc on your dental health.

The extreme changes in weather can make you vulnerable to various dental problems in winter. Read on to learn more about dental problems common in winter.

Dry Mouth

The drop in temperature and air pressure means less moisture. Without moisture, you are prone to less saliva production that leaves your mouth feeling drier than usual. If you’ve been diagnosed with dry mouth, winter can worsen it.

You should drink more water to ensure your mouth stays hydrated. Water helps increase saliva production and reduces bacteria in your mouth. Most importantly, avoid breathing through your mouth in the cold.

Gum Infection

During winter, you most likely deal with colds and viral infections. Your immune system can be overwhelmed fighting other infections and diseases during colder months. The bacteria in your gums can end up growing aggressively without your body being aware. Gum infections are also more common in winter due to having more high-calorie, hot foods, and beverages. Additionally, if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the stress can take its toll on your immune system. It’s crucial to ensure regular dental hygiene during these colder months.

Chapped Lips

Chapped lips aren’t something you should ignore. Dry, cracked lips suggest that you’re not producing enough saliva. A dry mouth makes you vulnerable to gum disease, increased plaque, and tooth decay.

You should consider doing the following to prevent chapped lips:

• Stay hydrated with enough water and use a humidifier.
• Moisturise your lips with petroleum jelly or lip balm.
• Gently exfoliate your lips to remove dead skin.
• Avoid licking your lips.
• Ensure you eat right to improve your immune system.

Cracked Teeth

Normal wear and tear can cause your teeth to crack over time. Changes from hot to cold temperatures can expand your teeth and lead to cracking. Extreme winter cold can worsen the cracks and cause severe tooth sensitivity.

It’s crucial to use preventative measures to ensure you take better care of your teeth. For instance, consider using a mouthguard to avoid teeth grinding that leads to cracked teeth. See your dentist if your cracked teeth cause you discomfort and pain.

Canker Sores

The harsh dry air in winter months can cause mouth ulcers known as canker sores. The dry air reduces saliva production which affects the soft mouth tissue. When this happens, you’re vulnerable to mouth infections and injuries.

Saliva is essential for the removal of infection-causing bacteria. Bacteria in your mouth leads to a weakened immune system. As a result, you develop infections like canker sores.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that can be found on your lips or the inside of your mouth. The Herpes Simplex virus causes cold sores in your childhood or early adulthood. Mostly, in winter, the cold or the flu can cause cold sores.

If you have a cold sore inside your mouth, it can affect your dental hygiene. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Ensure you get the appropriate treatment the moment you see or feel a cold sore appearing.

Tooth Sensitivity

Do your teeth hurt when you are exposed to cold air? If you experience toothache symptoms in winter, your tooth enamel might not be providing you with the required protection. On the other hand, you could have infected gums that have pushed back to expose the sensitive roots of your teeth.

Hot foods and beverages to keep warm during the cold can increase tooth sensitivity. Ensure you reduce tooth sensitivity by using fluoride toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. Severe tooth sensitivity may require a dental examination.

Jaw Pain

Did you know that the drop in air pressure due to cold weather can cause your joints and muscles to become stiff? Your jaw area isn’t an exception. If you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), you are at a higher risk of experiencing jaw pain during the winter months.

If you experience jaw pain, you should ensure you keep warm. Use a scarf to cover your jaw area. If the pain worsens, you should see your dentist to ensure you don’t have a jaw infection or severe jaw problem that requires treatment.

In summary, oral health problems can be affected by the changes in temperature. As the cold winter air creeps in, you should ensure you prioritise your dental health. Use your