fbpixel
oral hygiene tips during the cold winters

Oral Hygiene Tips During the Cold Winters

Everyone is aware that winter’s dropping temperatures, biting wind, and drier air can wreak havoc on your skin. But, did you realize that it can also put you at an increased risk of developing common dental issues? Being aware of the winter oral health woes and practicing some good oral hygiene tips that can help you with keeping your mouth healthy through the winter season and the entire year.

The Following Are Some Oral Health Tips For Winter:

Cold Sores

These small blisters around your mouth and lips are caused by a virus, but their appearance can be set off by such seasonal ailments as fever and colds, as well as the cold climate itself. To help minimize cold sore breakouts in the winter season, use some moisturizers, lip balm, and sunscreen to keep your lips moisturized.

Take a few steps to reduce the acquaintance of bacteria and viruses with your body. Wash your hands frequently, try not to touch your mouth, and don’t share things like eating utensils and towels with anyone who may have a cold sore. If you feel a cold sore coming on, treat it quickly with over-the-counter drugs or talk with your dental doctor or dental specialist about treatment options.

Canker Sores

Canker sores tend to peak during winter due to the harsh, dry air that makes delicate mouth tissues more prone to injury and infections. This is due to saliva being expected to free the mouth of bacteria and food particles that can cause contamination, and the dry air leads to reduced saliva in the mouth. Also, the winter season of the year compromises our immune systems and leaves us more vulnerable to infections in the mouth like ulcers.

Canker sores can be aggravated more by exposure to spicy and acidic foods, so avoiding them during the winter season is a good idea if you develop any sores. Moreover, rinsing your mouth with a combination of warm water and salt might help ease painful symptoms.

Chapped Lips

It’s difficult to avoid exposing your mouth to wind, cold, and sun while enjoying your outdoor activities in winter. However, the cooler climate can quickly dry the thin skin on your lips. Soothe dry, cracked lips by applying a touch of petrol gel, and shield them from additional damage by regularly applying a lip balm containing sunscreen.

Dry Mouth

Less moisture noticeable all around can lead to less salivation production, which can leave your mouth feeling dry. Assuming you really have the oral health issue known as “dry mouth,” winter’s dryness can aggravate it more. Drinking a lot of water can help you keep your mouth hydrated, help your body produce saliva, and help wash away food particles, decreasing bacteria in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay. You can also try placing a humidifier in your home to increase the moisture all around you.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is increased by colder temperatures due to cold and heat. It may be from food and drinks, but even cold air can cause tooth pain, particularly for sensitive teeth.

Gum Infection

Winter colds and flu can debilitate your immune system as it works to fight off those illnesses. It helps to grow bacteria in your gums, which leads to gum infection. Maintaining good dental care at home is important to help fight off the issue. But, if your gums are already swollen, bleeding, or painful, consult your dental specialist.

Jaw Pain

Cold weather can cause your joints and muscles to tighten, including those in your jaw. Assuming you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, this can make the issue harder to manage. To avoid jaw discomfort or TMJ in the cold weather, keep your body and jaws warm with a scarf or other covering to help you keep your jaw region, specifically, hot.

More Tips For Winter Dental Care

While these steps are significant the entire year, they can be especially helpful in warding off winter-time dental woes.

  • Brush your teeth twice every day.
  • Floss your teeth daily.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and if you’ve been sick, don’t re-infect yourself.
  • Visit your dental specialist at least a couple of times per year for a checkup and cleaning.
  • Drink a lot of water and eat a dental-friendly diet.
  • Contact your dental doctor with any symptoms or concerns.

Good oral hygiene is an important step to keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy and preventing other health problems throughout the entire year, particularly in the cold winter months. Stay aware of your regular dental visits and contact your dental doctor if you experience any oral health problems similar to the ones above.

The above tips will help you navigate the cold winter months and keep yourself and your teeth in the best condition!

If you’re still experiencing dental issues this winter, it’s important you consult a dentist and get checked. Book an appointment at Vistadent today for a check-up. Our team can provide you with more oral hygiene tips for maintaining your oral health!

For more information about oral hygiene tips or any other dental procedures, as well as other dental problems, contact Vistadent Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, at 040-23388111 or +91 9866572482 or at info@vistadent.net or visit our website at http://vistadent.net/.

Scroll to Top