Chances are, you’ve noticed that colder weather makes your skin and hair drier. But did you know that cold weather can also affect your mouth? Every winter at Country Club Dental we see people with specific mouth ailments they only get at this time of year. Today we’re sharing our top winter mouth care tips to help you prepare for the cold months ahead.
Five Winter Mouth Care Tips
Tip 1: Drink Lots of Water
Summer is not the only season you should be drinking water. Cold air can cause winter dry mouth, which reduces the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Saliva helps keep bacteria from clinging to your teeth and gums, causing inflammation and possible infection. Drinking lots of water daily will help keep dry mouth at bay and keep your mouth healthy throughout the winter.
Tip 2: Watch out for Tooth Sensitivity
When cold air enters your mouth, you can experience some pain if your teeth are sensitive to chilly temperatures. Or, if your teeth are sensitive to heat, you might have some discomfort drinking warm beverages like tea and hot chocolate. Brushing with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help. However, you should still see your dentist to make sure the sensitivity you’re experiencing is not a sign of tooth decay or gum disease.
Tip 3: Protect Against Chapped Lips
The skin on your lips is very delicate, and it can easily get dried out when exposed to cold air. While you might not think that chapped lips—clinically called cheilitis—is a major issue, think again. Damage to the lips can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. Protect your lips from chapping during the winter by remembering to apply lip balm anytime you’ll be outside in the cold air.
Tip 4: Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports
Winter sports like basketball, football, and hockey can all cause serious injuries to your teeth and mouth if they’re not protected. A simple mouth guard helps protect your teeth from damage. Make sure to thoroughly clean your mouthguard after each use, and always store it in its case between uses to keep it germ-free and in excellent condition.
Tip 5: Wash Your Hands
Viruses like the cold and flu run rampant during the winter months. Frequently washing your hands before touching your food, lips, or mouth prevents harmful bacteria from traveling from your hands and into your body. Keeping your hands clean can help keep winter cold sores away as well.
Dental Care for All Seasons in Flagstaff
While it’s important to follow good winter mouth care tips, proper oral health care is important all year round. By making—and keeping!—your biannual dental cleanings, you can help ensure your mouth stays healthy. Even if it’s been a few winters since the last time you were in the dentist’s chair, our pain-free dental cleanings will get your mouth in tip-top shape again. Call Country Club Dental in Flagstaff today at 928-526-4314 to schedule your next appointment.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
