How to combat winter mouth issues

Although the holiday season is something that many look forward to all year, winter can be very difficult in terms of keeping healthy. We all worry about getting a cold or being taken down by the flu. We are so careful to wash our hands extra and try to stay away from people who are sick. But in addition to general health issues, there are also problems that the cold, dry winter air can cause to your mouth.

Sensitivity

One big problem that winter can cause to your mouth is tooth sensitivity. Your whole body, including your mouth, is used to being at your normal body temperature, but during the winter months, when you are outside and breathing in that really cold air, it lowers the temperature in your mouth. This can cause an unpleasant sensation in your mouth and if this occurs frequently, it is possible that your teeth could expand and contract, causing damage.

In order to avoid this issue, you should do your best to breathe through your nose when you are outside. When you take in oxygen through your nose, it goes directly to your lungs, and bypasses your teeth. Another good tip is to use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it and to drink fluorinated water. Fluoride is a great protector for your teeth and the more fluoride that your mouth is exposed to, the better. If you are drinking beverages that are very hot or very cold, you should use a straw, so your teeth have minimal contact with the extreme temperatures.

Dry mouth

Another mouth issue that people can suffer from during the winter months is having a dry mouth. When we get knocked down by a cold or the flu, it can cause our noses to become stuffy and that results in people breathing more through their mouths. The more you breathe through your mouth during the winter, the greater your chance of having a dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can cause dental complications, including infection and tooth decay.

Some tips for avoiding getting a dry mouth are to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and to limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can cause dehydration. You can also keep your mouth moist by chewing sugarless gum.

Chapped lips

Chapped lips are another common issue during the winter. Exposure to the brutal cold and the wind can cause extremely chapped lips, so it is important to keep your lips protected. You will want to drink plenty of water to make sure your skin is hydrated and you might also want to consider having a humidifier in your home to add moisture. Petroleum jelly is a great way to hydrate your lips as well.

Winter is a great time to schedule a routine dental appointment to make sure that your mouth is healthy and that you are not suffering from any of these winter afflictions. When a dental problem is detected early, there is a much greater chance of being able to treat the problem before it becomes an even bigger issue.