We all wait for the whole year for the winter season to arrive. It is because we can enjoy various dishes cooked during the season, enjoy the snowfall, go on a vacation with our family and much more. Despite so many positive things about winter, there are certain sets of things that don’t work in our favour. One of the biggest issues our health faces is winter mouth issues that can impact our overall health. We can face problems like chapped lips, dry mouth, and last but not least sensitive teeth.
All of us must understand these challenges and learn how to combat these issues as it will help us maintain a healthy and gleaming smile throughout the winter season. It is time to dive into these common winter mouth woes and discover the practical solutions that will help keep your mouth comfortable and fresh.
Common Winter Mouth Issues
The various common winter mouth woes we face during the winter season are:
Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth is one of the most prevalent issues during the winter season. The low humidity levels and indoor heating play a pivotal role in intensifying the issue. You will also face the issue of a reduction in saliva production which is not a good sign. It is because saliva is necessary for washing away food particles that are stuck between our teeth and cause dental problems.
The dryness will not only make your mouth feel uncomfortable but can also increase the risks related to gum diseases and cavities. You must follow these steps to fight the dry mouth issues. The steps are:
Staying Hydrated
You must drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will help keep your mouth moist.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
The gum helps stimulate saliva production. Moreover, it will help keep your mouth hydrated.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can help you overcome dry mouth symptoms by adding moisture to the air in your home.
Chapped Lips
Chapped lips are another common winter complaint we face during the winter season. It is because the cold winter can wipe out the moisture from our lips. It often leads to cracking of our skin which leads to discomfort. You must consider the following tips to keep your lips soft and healthy. The tips are:
Apply Lip Balm Regularly
You must use a high-quality lip balm to create a protective barrier on your lips.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water will help maintain the moisture on your lips.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
Many people believe that licking their lips will provide relief, which is partially true. It may provide temporary relief, but ultimately, it leads to more dryness.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you believe that you are the only person who feels a sharp pain while biting into ice cream or sipping cocoa, you are wrong. Many people out there are facing the same winter mouth woes. Tooth sensitivity intensifies when the temperature gets colder. This is because the temperature causes the teeth to expand and contract.
You must follow these strategies to manage the tooth sensitivity issue.
Use a Face Mask or Scarf
It is necessary to protect your face from cold air. It helps reduce the sensitivity issue.
Switch to Desensitizing Toothpaste
Switching to these toothpastes can prove beneficial for you as they are designed to block pain signals from reaching your tooth nerve.
Limit Acidic Food Intake
You must avoid consuming foods that are highly acidic as they can intensify the sensitivity issue. You must minimize their intake.
Let us now discuss the additional tips that will help maintain your oral health during the winter season and allow you to dodge winter mouth issues.
Additional Tips For Dealing With Common Winter Mouth Woes
If you think that the above-discussed points are enough to maintain oral health during the winter season, then you must be mistaken. Here are some extra tips that can highly benefit you.
Breathe Through Your Nose
You must try breathing through your nose instead of your mouth when you are going outside. It will help reduce the dryness of your mouth.
Limit Caffeine Intake
It is worth noting that caffeine makes a significant contribution towards dehydrating your body. Therefore, you must opt for herbal teas and decaffeinated beverages.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
It will be wise for you to book your appointment with your dentist if you are affected by the prolonged tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Final Thoughts
The winter season can prove to be a challenging time for our oral health as we face common issues like chapped lips, dry mouth and tooth sensitivity. It is crucial to seek professional help if you are constantly facing these dental problems during winter. You must book an appointment at National Dental Care, where you can find a team of experienced and devoted dentists ready to help you. Having 8 branches across Hyderabad, you will receive a range of tailored services designed to meet your needs.
Don’t let these issues dampen your spirit. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards better oral health.
FAQs
Q.1. What causes dry mouth in Winter?
Low humidity levels and indoor heating reduces saliva production which in turn leads to dry mouth. It often leads to discomfort and increases the risk of dental issues.
Q.2. How can I prevent chapped lips during the winter season?
Regular application of moisturized lip balm, staying hydrated, and avoiding licking your lips. It will maintain the moisture level of your lips.
Q.3. Why do my teeth feel sensitive in cold weather?
Temperature changes are the main reason because the changes can severely affect the enamel and expose the sensitive areas of teeth like receded gums.
Q.4. What are some effective remedies for cold sores?
You must keep the affected area moisturized with lip balm, and use over-the-counter medicines as soon as the symptoms start showing. Moreover, avoid touching the sores to prevent them from spreading.
Q.5. When should I see a dentist about winter month issues?
You must visit a dentist if you are experiencing persistent tooth sensitivity, bleeding or swollen gums, or any other oral discomfort that is not showing any signs of improvement with home care measures.
