Illnesses and ailments increase during the winter months. Coughs, colds, flu, and stomach problems are at an all-time high this time of year. Oral problems are not an exception. When the weather outside is bad, your teeth, jaw, and gums are more prone to pain. Winter’s harsh elements, such as freezing winds and dry air, can wreak havoc on your oral health.
Canada, Toronto in particular, has had its fair share of unprecedented harsh weather events. Remember to take special care of your teeth while braving this season. This will aid in the prevention of frequent dental problems such as tooth sensitivity and dry mouth, which are exacerbated by the cold, dry weather.
Can Cold Weather Affect Your Mouth?
Yes, the cold weather can affect your mouth. Your teeth, for one, are accustomed to a temperature of roughly 98°F, which is your normal body temperature. They expand and contract in reaction to intense heat and cold. This can cause cracks in your teeth over time, exposing the fragile nerve fibres beneath your enamel. This is the same tooth discomfort you get from cavities and gum disease..
Tooth pain and oral problems can occur no matter how well you care for your teeth, but if you do not brush and floss regularly and live in a location with dramatic temperature changes, you are at a higher risk. Knowing about the winter oral health issues, as well as practicing excellent oral hygiene, will help you keep your mouth healthy all year long.
- Chapped Lips
It is difficult to avoid exposure to wind, cold, and sun when you are enjoying your favourite outdoor activities in the winter, but this can soon dry out the thinner skin on your lips. Harsh winds and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on the skin, causing chapping and cracking. Low humidity is often associated with cold weather, and this lack of moisture in the air can result in chapped lips and decreased saliva production. Running the furnace also tends to remove moisture from the air inside your home, which can further cause dehydration.
- Dry Mouth
Because there is less moisture in the air, less saliva is produced, leaving your mouth dry. If you have a condition known as dry mouth, the dryness of winter might exacerbate it.
Dentists refer to dry mouth as when your salivary glands are unable to produce saliva and keep your mouth lubricated. When you have a cold, your nasal passageways are constricted, leaving your airways to feel drier than usual. Similarly, in cold, dry weather, breathing in and out of your mouth accelerates the process of dehydration, which can reduce your mouth’s ability to fight infection.
- Cold Sores
These little blisters around your mouth and lips can also be triggered by a virus or by seasonal illnesses like fever and colds. As a result, cold weather or a dramatic temperature change creates an ideal setting for the growth of cold sores. Keep your lips and the region around your mouth hydrated and apply a lip balm with sunscreen to help prevent cold sore breakouts in the winter. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your mouth, and do not share utensils or towels with anyone who has a cold sore.
- Canker Sores
Canker sores (the ones found inside your mouth) are more common in the winter because of the harsh dry air, which makes delicate oral tissues more susceptible to injury and infection. This is because saliva is required to rid the mouth of bacteria and food particles that can cause illnesses, and dry air causes the mouth to produce less saliva. In addition, the winter season weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to oral illnesses such as canker sores.
- Cavities
Cavities can cause excruciating discomfort at any time of year. Winter, especially, makes the discomfort of cavities that much more difficult to bear. During the holidays, several sugary, indulgent temptations may be hard to say no to. Brushing and flossing more frequently during this time of year will help to remove excess sugars and plaque from the surface of your teeth, reducing your chances of acquiring a cavity.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Moving from warm to cold conditions puts pressure on the nerves beneath the surface of the tooth. Teeth sensitivity to temperature is typical when the weather becomes harsh, such as during the icy winter months. Cold air can cause toothaches owing to compromised tooth enamel. If you are going outside, wear a layer of clothes over your mouth, such as a scarf, to keep the cold air out. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste developed for sensitive teeth is commonly recommended by dentists.
- Gum Infection
Colds and flu in the winter can weaken your immune system as it tries to fight diseases off. As a result, bacteria in your gums can develop nearly unchecked, resulting in gum infection. It is critical to maintain appropriate dental hygiene at home to combat infection and gum pain due to cold weather. Consult your dentist if your gums are swollen, bleeding, or painful.
- Jaw Pain
Cold weather can cause your joints and muscles, including those in your jaw, to tighten up. Another way the weather might affect your oral health is by clenching your jaw. Teeth chattering and jaw clenching are natural reactions to keep your body warm. Unfortunately, the pressure from too much contraction can cause jaw pain, tooth pain, tooth cracks, and a variety of other issues. This can make it more difficult if you have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. When going out, the easiest method to avoid jaw clenching is to dress in layers. Consider wearing a scarf or other covering to keep your jaw area protected.
Cold Weather Dental Care Tips
While these tips are important throughout the year, they can be especially helpful in preventing dental problems during the winter. Here are some suggestions and home remedies for toothache due to cold weather:
- Drink Water
A dry mouth and chapped lips can happen when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Additionally, inflammations may be exacerbated by the dry winter air, so be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Drinking a hot beverage might help keep your teeth from being too cold, especially if you will be outside for several hours. Avoid acidic and sugary drinks as they may break down the protective layers of your teeth.
- Avoid Jaw Clenching
When it is cold, you tend to stiffen up to keep warm. Clenching your jaw can lead to dental pain, jaw pain, and a variety of other problems. Teeth gritting can lead to tooth deterioration and painful fissures. When the temperature is cold, wrap up to avoid involuntary clenching.
When you are going to be outside for an extended period, wearing a scarf or mouthguard will keep you warm and prevent you from forcing your teeth together and clicking if they start to chatter due to the cold.
- Inhale Through Your Nose
Your teeth can be suddenly sensitive to cold air when you inhale through your mouth. Breathing in through your nose helps prevent the cold air from harming your sensitive teeth. Meanwhile, exhaling via your mouth enables the warm air from your lungs to keep your teeth warm.
- Moisturize Your Lips
The delicate skin on your lips might be affected by the cold winter conditions, drying them out and resulting in chapped lips. They can be protected from the dry weather by using a daily lip balm with SPF. Installing a humidifier in your house can add extra moisture during this frigid weather when there is less humidity in the air.
- Keep Warm
You are probably already wrapping yourself in a blanket or putting on a jacket before venturing out into the winter chill. Cold weather makes teeth hurt and it is natural for joints and muscles to stiffen up. To avoid clenching or constricting your jaw, keep warm by wearing a scarf or sweater.
Good dental hygiene is essential all year, but especially during the harsh winter months. Maintain regular dental appointments and call your dentist if you are experiencing any oral health concerns this season, such as the ones listed above.
If you are looking for a trusted family dentist in Brampton, come to Springdale Dental Centre, where your oral health is always our top priority. Enjoy the warm and friendly care of our team by calling us at (905) 458-1212 today.
