Winters is the season when you become alert to save your skin and hair from dryness and damage. But there is one more adverse effect of winter on your body. The freezing temperature, chilling winds, dry weather, and sharp cold waves can damage your teeth also.

Mentioned below are 5 common dental problems that arise in the winter season. They are easy to avoid with some easy dental care. Those are also mentioned here to help you sail through the season.

1. Sensitive Teeth

Winter increases the sensitivity of your teeth. It happens because of the cold air and beverages of both hot and cold temperature. Sometimes you can even experience piercing pain in your teeth while chewing or drinking.

Solutions

• Brush your teeth to relieve them from sensitivity. Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
• You can rinse your mouth with saltwater.
• Consult your local dentist for a regular check-up. They can diagnose any underlying issue behind the sensitivity. They can also give you tips on dental care according to the condition of your teeth.

2. Fever Blisters

Cold weather is not suitable for everyone. Some people feel fatigued and stressed during this season. This can lead to fever blisters, popularly known as cold sores. It is an infection that spreads throughout your mouth if not controlled on time. Cold sores can also be a sign of a weak immune system.

Solutions

• Keep your hands clean and sanitized.
• Avoid sharing food and drinks in the same utensils with others.
• Avoid touching other people’s skin
• Contact your local dentist if the problem doesn’t get controlled

3. Cracked Lips

During winter, your body goes through a rollercoaster of cold winds and sunny afternoons. This dries your skin, and it shows on your lips. They get dry, chapped, and cracked. Your lips are generally the first victim of the season because the skin over the lips is fragile.

Solutions

• Moisturize your lips regularly with petroleum jelly.
• Apply a lip balm enriched with SPF while going in the sun.
• Wear a face mask to avoid direct exposure to chilling winds.

4. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a widespread problem in the winter season. The dry winds rob your mouth of moisture. Additionally, nose congestion due to cold forces you to breathe through your mouth. That leaves your mouth more dehydrated.

Solutions

• Keep a humidifier in your room to add some moisture to the air.
• Drinking water is good for overall health. But it is an excellent form of dental care as well. It provides moisture and also clears the bacteria from your mouth.

5. Weak Gums

It is common to suffer from a weak immune system in winters. It affects your gums also. Chances of gums inflammation and infection increases in these conditions. It makes dental care all the more essential in cold weather.

Solutions

• Contact dental service providers in your locality if you feel your gums are getting vulnerable.
• To prevent any infection, avoid touching your mouth.
• Follow oral hygiene routine rigorously. This way, you can kill any bacteria attack on your mouth during the initial stage.

Bonus Tips for Dental Care

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
• Don’t underestimate flossing.
• Change toothbrush every 2 months
• Visit your local dentist for regular check-ups

Take Away!

You can avoid serious dental health problems by following the tips mentioned above. Oral hygiene and healthy habits are the foundation of strong teeth and gums. However, if you still feel any discomfort in your mouth, consult your local dentist immediately.

You can also visit Dental services near you for general consultation. They can guide you precisely according to your current dental health.

About The Author:

Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating the dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and the latest treatment modalities.