The harsh and dry winter weather can do a number on your skin and hair, but did you know that the winter season can also cause dental problems? Dry air, cold temperatures, an increase in seasonal illnesses, and holiday treats can harm your overall oral health this time of year.
At Babylon Dental Care, our New York dental team wants to help you identify some of the most common winter-time dental problems and offer you simple solutions to keep your smile merry and bright.
What Are Common Winter Dental Problems
Winter weather and the delights of the season can take their toll on your oral health. Many people experience an increase in dental discomfort during the colder months, but the good news is that most winter dental problems are preventable with a few simple habits. Some of the most common winter dental problems include:
Tooth sensitivity from cold air
Cold air is a hallmark of the winter season. Brisk temperatures and breathing through the mouth can increase tooth sensitivity, causing pain and discomfort.
Dry mouth
Dry air, indoor heating systems, and certain medications increase the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth during the winter months. It can significantly impact oral health because saliva is necessary for helping to wash away harmful bacteria and neutralize acids.
Increased cavities from holiday treats and beverages
Winter is synonymous with the holiday season, which often brings good food, sweet treats, and cocktails, all of which can harm your oral health. Snacking on sugary cookies and confections feeds cavity-causing bacteria.
Jaw pain and teeth grinding
Snowstorms, cold weather, and a hectic holiday schedule are all stressful events that occur in the winter months. Increased stress during this time can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can cause pain and damage to the teeth.
Seasonal illness-related dental issues
Believe it or not, seasonal illnesses like colds and flu can lead to oral health problems. Mouth breathing due to congestion and certain medications can lead to a dry mouth. Vomiting can erode tooth enamel, and illness can disrupt regular oral healthcare, making people feel too sick and tired to adhere to their regular brushing and flossing routine. Sinus infections and pressure may also cause upper tooth pain.
Why Cold Weather Can Make Teeth and Gums More Sensitive
Dry, cold winter weather can make teeth and gums more sensitive for many of the same reasons that drinking a cold beverage causes sensitivity. Sensitivity is often caused when the sensitive inner portion of a tooth, called dentin, is exposed due to thin enamel, cracks in a tooth, or receding gums. Cold air can reach vulnerable areas of the tooth, much like a cold beverage, sparking a painful sensation.
Cold, dry air and indoor heating, combined with medications and illnesses, can lead to dry mouth. With less saliva in the mouth to protect sensitive teeth, dry mouth can also cause an increase in tooth sensitivity and pain. Cold weather also tricks us into thinking we don’t need as much water as we do in the summer months. Drinking less water during the winter months can also lead to dry mouth and increased sensitivity. It can also lead to an increase in tooth decay.
How Winter Habits Affect Oral Health
Let’s face it, winter can be a particularly stressful time of the year. Unfortunately, winter habits can negatively affect oral health and make it challenging to get back on track. Brushing and flossing routines may be the first to go when stress builds, and routines change thanks to holiday travel or guests coming and going.
The stress of the season can also contribute to sleep issues and may lead to more individuals clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth at night. This can cause wear and cracks in the teeth, leading to tooth decay and other serious dental issues.
Another winter habit that can affect oral health? The need to indulge in holiday sweets and cocktails. The added sugar can turn your mouth into a breeding ground for bacteria, causing tooth decay.
Tips To Protect Your Teeth and Gums During Winter
Making a few simple changes to your oral health habits can help you protect your smile during the chilly winter months. Consider the following:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Drink plenty of water
- Look for sugar-free cold and flu medications
- Eat holiday treats in moderation
- Use relaxation techniques to manage stress
- Replace your toothbrush after an illness
Start the New Year with a New Smile
Winter weather may have you feeling like you need to hunker down, but it’s the best time to schedule a dental appointment and start the New Year with a new smile. The team at Babylon Dental Care wants to be a part of your wintertime healthy dental routine.
Contact our New York office at (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment.