As winter sweeps across Canada, the colder weather can have a significant impact on your oral health. The dry air, fluctuating temperatures, and seasonal changes can affect your teeth and gums in ways that you may not immediately notice. At The Dental Place, we understand the unique challenges that winter presents, and we want to ensure that you’re well-prepared to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the season. Here are the best practices for keeping your smile in tip-top shape during Canadian winters.
Moisturize Your Mouth
Winter air is notorious for being dry, and this can lead to a common issue—dry mouth. Reduced saliva production during the colder months can cause discomfort and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth can lead to a lack of lubrication in the mouth, making it harder to wash away food particles and bacteria.
To prevent dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. A good tip is to carry a water bottle with you, especially when traveling or outside in the cold. Using a humidifier in your home can also help maintain moisture levels in the air, preventing your mouth from drying out. If you find that your mouth remains dry despite these efforts, consider speaking to your dentist about saliva substitutes or special mouthwashes designed to combat dry mouth.
Brush and Floss Regularly
The key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums year-round, but especially in winter, is sticking to a diligent oral hygiene routine. The holiday season brings many opportunities for sweet treats and rich foods, which can increase your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to areas around your gum line, as plaque buildup here can lead to gum disease. During winter months, it’s easy to overlook flossing due to the busy holiday schedules, but flossing is essential for cleaning between your teeth and removing food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a priority to floss at least once a day to keep your gums healthy.
Protect Your Teeth from the Cold
While many of us enjoy the beauty of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, the cold air can sometimes cause sensitivity in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are often triggered by temperature extremes, which can lead to discomfort and pain.
To reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity, consider using a toothpaste formulated specifically for sensitive teeth. Additionally, if you participate in outdoor winter activities, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact and to help reduce exposure to the cold air. If you experience persistent tooth sensitivity, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to explore treatment options, such as fluoride applications or sealants to protect your enamel.
Watch Out for Holiday Sweets and Snacks
The winter season, especially around the holidays, is often filled with an abundance of sugary treats such as candies, cakes, and pies. While indulging in these treats is part of the fun, it’s important to remember that sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
After enjoying a sweet treat, be sure to brush your teeth to remove any residual sugar and food particles. If you don’t have access to a toothbrush, rinsing your mouth with water can help wash away some of the sugar. Also, try to limit your intake of sugary snacks between meals, as this gives your teeth time to recover from the acid attack.
Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
During the winter months, it’s common to find yourself reaching for comforting snacks like hard candy, nuts, or ice. However, chewing on hard objects can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, which can be both painful and expensive to treat. Chewing ice, in particular, is one of the biggest culprits of dental damage.
If you’re someone who enjoys chewing on ice, it’s important to break the habit to protect your teeth. Instead, opt for softer alternatives like sugar-free gum or enjoying softer snacks. If you do eat hard foods like nuts, be cautious and consider cracking them open with a nutcracker instead of using your teeth.
Get Your Regular Dental Checkups
Winter is the perfect time to schedule your biannual dental checkup and cleaning. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health, regardless of the season. A dental cleaning will help remove plaque and tartar buildup that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, your dentist will perform an examination to check for any signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral infections.
If you have any concerns, such as tooth sensitivity or discomfort, it’s best to address them sooner rather than later. A dental visit can help prevent minor issues from turning into more serious problems. Keep in mind that winter is a great time to make use of your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for your overall health, and this includes your oral health. Staying hydrated ensures that your mouth produces enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. During the winter months, people tend to drink fewer fluids due to the colder weather, but this can exacerbate dry mouth and reduce saliva production. Make it a point to drink water throughout the day, even when it’s chilly outside.
Wear a Lip Balm with SPF
Cold, dry air can also affect your lips, leading to chapping and cracking. While this doesn’t directly affect your teeth, cracked lips can be uncomfortable and may cause you to unconsciously bite or lick your lips, which can lead to further irritation. To prevent this, use a lip balm that contains SPF and moisture-locking ingredients to keep your lips hydrated and protected from the cold.
Conclusion
Winter in Canada presents a unique set of challenges for your oral health, but with the right habits, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums all season long. Moisturizing your mouth, practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, staying hydrated, and scheduling regular dental checkups will help keep your smile bright and healthy through the colder months. If you have questions about how your diet affects your dental health or need to schedule a check-up, contact us today.
