COMBATING COMMON WINTER ORAL ISSUES

The winter season is a time that many people look forward to because it means holidays spent with family and friends and making fun memories, but for your mouth, the cooler months can be challenging. Winter mouth issues are extremely common, and your dentist in Rowley has some tips to share to help you combat the struggles you may experience this season.

How to Combat Common Winter Mouth Issues

Unless you’re planning to spend the next several months in the tropics, you’re in for another chilly northern winter. The snow may be pretty, but the cold dry air does a number on your oral health in multiple ways. Here are some tips to help you fight the freeze for your mouth this winter:

Breathe Through Your Nose When You Are Outside in the Cold

Lower temperatures can cause discomfort for those with sensitive teeth. The cold also causes your teeth to contract, which could result in damage if you’re consuming hot beverages that cause them to expand. Breathing through your nose will help protect your teeth from coming in direct contact with freezing temperatures.

Protect Your Lips by Staying Hydrated and Using Moisturizer

Chapped lips are probably the most common winter mouth issue. Cold winds and dry air can cause the skin on your lips to dry and crack, so it’s important to protect them. While using a moisturizer like petroleum jelly is a great way to moisten lips temporarily, drinking water is a key player in keeping you hydrated overall, which in turn keeps your lips from drying out.

Avoid Germs As Much as Possible to Stay Healthy

Common winter illnesses can cause a stuffy nose, which results in breathing out of your mouth. This, in turn, causes a dry mouth which can initiate dental complications like infection and decay. Make sure to wash your hands often and do everything you can to avoid illness this season.

Limit Your Caffeine Intake During the Winter Months

It might help jolt you out of a sleepy slump, but caffeine is extremely dehydrating, which you now know is bad for your teeth and lips. Whether it’s coffee, tea, soda, or an energy drink, try to be conscious of your caffeine intake during the winter months to ensure you stay hydrated.

You can’t control the weather, but you can help your mouth in good shape this winter season by protecting your teeth, staying healthy, and keeping your body well hydrated.

About the Practice

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been practicing dentistry in Rowley for over twenty years. His goal is to ensure that his patients are provided with the knowledge they need to maintain healthy smiles. He is committed to ongoing education and keeping his practice up-to-date with the most recent dental technology. His wide range of services is tailored to fit every patient’s needs and improve their quality of life in a caring environment. Is your mouth ready for the winter? Visit us online to request an appointment, or give us a call at (978) 903-3053.