These small blisters around the mouth and lips are caused by a virus, but their appearance can be triggered by seasonal ailments like fevers and colds, as well as the cold weather itself. To minimize cold sore outbreaks in winter weather, keep your lips and the area around your mouth moisturized and use a lip balm with sunscreen.
Take steps to minimise the risk of bacteria and viruses entering your body – wash your hands frequently, try not to touch your mouth, and do not share items such as cutlery and towels with anyone who may have cold sores.
If you think you're getting cold sores, treat it with over-the-counter medications as soon as possible, or talk to your doctor or dentist about treatment options.
Less moisture in the air can lead to less saliva production, which can make your mouth feel dry. If you actually suffer from dry mouth, dryness in winter can make it worse. Drinking plenty of water can help your body moisturise your mouth. Produce saliva and rinse away food debris, reducing bacteria in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay. You can also try placing a humidifier in your home to increase the humidity in the air
Winter colds and flu can weaken your immune system as it fights off these diseases. This leaves the door open for bacteria in your gums to grow almost uncontrollably, leading to gingivitis. Good dental care at home is important to combat the problem. But if your gums are already swollen, bleeding, or painful, see your dentist.
It’s hard to avoid exposing your lips to wind, cold and sun whilst enjoying your favourite outdoor activities in winter, but cooler weather can quickly dry out the thin skin on your lips. Soothe dry, chapped lips by applying a little Vaseline, and protect them from further damage by regularly applying a lip balm with sun protection.
Colder temperatures can increase teeth's sensitivity to both cold and heat - not just from food and drink, but even cold air can cause a toothache that is especially prone to sensitive teeth.
Mouth ulcers tend to peak during the winter months due to the harsh, dry air, which makes the soft tissues of the mouth more susceptible to injury and infection. This is because saliva is needed to clear the mouth of bacteria and food debris that can cause infections, and the dry air leads to less saliva in the mouth. Furthermore, the winter season weakens our immune system, making us more susceptible to oral infections such as mouth ulcers.
Apthae can be exacerbated by contact with spicy and acidic foods, so it's a good idea to avoid them during the season when you develop sores. In addition, rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt can help relieve painful symptoms. In very painful cases, the dentist can also cauterise the apthae using a laser under local anaesthetic. Your dentists will be happy to advise you, and products from a Swiss pharmacy such as Pyralvex or Negatol can also help in certain situations.
Cold weather can cause your joints and muscles to tighten — and that includes those in your jaw area. If you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), it can complicate the problem. To relieve jaw discomfort or TMJ in cold weather, stay warm and consider a scarf or other covering to keep your jaw area in particular warm.
Sources:
"Winter Tips for a Healthy Mouth: Dealing with Common Winter Mouth Woes," Colgate.com, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/winter-tips-for-a-healthy-mouth-dealing-with-common-winter-mouth-woes, accessed Feb. 16, 2021
"Winter Mouth Health Tips," SmileMichigan.com, Michigan Dental Association, https://www.smilemichigan.com/the-smile-connection/winter-mouth-health-tips, accessed Feb. 16, 2021
"Five Ways Winter Affects Oral Hygiene," Bright Now! Dental, posted Jan. 24, 2019, https://www.brightnow.com/blog/five-ways-winter-affects-oral-hygiene
"Winter Oral Health Tips," Dental Care of Baltimore, https://www.dentalcareofbaltimore.com/blog/winter-oral-health-tips/, accessed Feb. 16, 2021
"Cold Sores," WebMD, reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD, Dec. 23, 2019, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-cold-sores-basics#1
“Gum Infections and Wintertime,” QC Dental, posted April 2016, https://www.qcdental.com.au/articles/2016/4/1/winter-gums
"What Causes Canker Sores During Winter?" Stellar Kids Dentistry, https://www.stellarkids.com/what-causes-canker-sores-during-winter/
