You’re getting ready to go out and shovel snow off your driveway. You put on several layers of clothing to brace yourself against the cold. But when you open the door and breathe in, you feel a twinge of discomfort in your mouth and reluctantly step outside.
Winter can be a rough time of year for many people, but did you know that the dry, cold conditions can make caring for your smile more difficult? Read on to learn about various winter mouth issues and how you can keep smiling through it all.
Dry Mouth
In cold weather or with a cold, breathing through your nose becomes more difficult, which means you may be breathing through your mouth more frequently. Unfortunately, this dries out your mouth, which may lead to a host of problems. Your saliva plays a critical role in rinsing away harmful bacteria and neutralizing acids, so when you don’t make enough saliva, these bacteria and acids can damage your teeth or infect your gums.
As much as possible, try to breathe through your nose. If you need to breathe through your mouth, you need to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep it hydrated.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth react to extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, winter can be an uncomfortable time. The cold weather can trigger tooth sensitivity and make being outside all the more unbearable. Keep in mind that tooth sensitivity could be a sign that you have tooth decay that needs to be treated.
At home, you can use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity. However, depending on how severe your sensitivity is, you may want to meet with your dentist to discuss your treatment options.
If necessary, your dentist can give you relief by applying a concentrated fluoride treatment onto your teeth. This mineral reinforces your protective enamel. In more extreme cases, a coating of composite resin over your teeth may help you avoid the unpleasant reaction to the cold.
Chapped Lips
In the dry cold, it’s common to experience chapped lips, but you can keep your lips properly moisturized by drinking lots of water, using a humidifier as you sleep, and wearing chapstick.
Jaw Pain
When you’re dealing with stress or walking in freezing cold wind, you may clench your teeth. However, doing so not only puts immense pressure on your teeth, but it can make your jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint, hurt from the strain.
Do your best to avoid clenching your teeth, and relieve stress through other techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness.
In the end, you may not exactly enjoy this season, but you don’t have to let the cold weather negatively impact your smile. By following these tips, you can keep your smile healthy and happy, regardless of what’s going on outside.
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental has six locations in Lincoln, which means there’s likely one of our offices close to you. Our dentists have different backgrounds, but all of our staff members are committed to help patients achieve and maintain strong smiles. If you would like to discuss your winter mouth issues with one of our experts, you can schedule an appointment with us online or by contacting one of our offices here.