4 Tips to Fight Winter Mouth Issues

Winter is fast approaching! That means fun holiday activities, warm drinks, and a feeling of joy in the air. Unfortunately, it also means an abundance of winter mouth issues. Though the most wonderful time of the year should be full of happiness and good feelings, chapped lips, sensitive teeth, and other oral health issues that come with cold weather can really put a damper on things. Read on to learn four ways to fight back against winter mouth issues so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.

Tip #1: Pick the Right Toothpaste

Many people experience increased tooth sensitivity during the winter months. This is because the layer of the teeth behind the enamel (dentin) is covered in nerve fibers that are sensitive to cold. This increased sensitivity will also likely make your pearly whites more sensitive to pressure from biting or chewing as well as hot foods and beverages. Desensitizing toothpaste can shield the nerve endings in your teeth to protect your smile and relieve discomfort.

Tip #2: Drink Water

When your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva, this will lead to dry mouth. As a result, you will be more likely to develop gum disease, mouth sores, cavities, dental staining, enamel erosion, and other oral health issues. Though dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, the dryness of winter air can exacerbate things and allow harmful oral bacteria to thrive. To counteract this, make sure to drink plenty of water during the day. You can also eat crisp, fresh fruits and veggies or sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.

Tip #3: Stay Warm

When it’s cold outside, this can cause muscles to be stiffer than usual. If you have issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), cold weather can make it more difficult to move the joints, which will likely cause additional discomfort. Stay warm by bundling up to minimize joint stiffness.

Tip #4: Add Moisture

During the winter, the humidity is lower because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. This makes the air feel drier, which causes your skin and lips to become dry and chapped. Wear lip with SPF, and consider using a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture back into the air.

Make sure to visit your dentist at least twice per year so they can make sure you don’t have any conditions causing your winter mouth issues. Enjoy your winter to the fullest by following the four above steps to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

About the Practice

Dr. Daniel Berquist, Dr. Joseph Ornelas, and their friendly team at Region Dental aim to bring the residents of La Porte the best service they can offer in their comfortable, inviting office. They offer a range of comprehensive cosmetic, preventive, and restorative procedures and treatments that will have your smile looking its best. If you need advice on how to combat winter mouth issues, they can offer tips and tricks to help you maintain a happy, healthy, and beautiful smile. Visit Region Dental’s website or call their office at (219) 362-8980 for more information or to set up an appointment.