You probably know that winter's falling temperatures, biting winds and dry air can damage your skin. But did you know that it can also put you at an increased risk of developing common dental problems? Read here how to keep your mouth healthy during the winter season and all year round.
cold sores
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 minimize the entry of bacteria and viruses into your body — wash your hands often, try not to touch your mouth, and don't share items like dishes and towels with someone 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.
Dry mouth
Less moisture in the air can lead to less saliva production, which can make your mouth feel dry. If you do have a dry mouth problem, winter dryness can make it worse. Drinking plenty of water can help hydrate your mouth, help your body produce saliva, and flush away food particles, reducing bacteria in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay. You can also try placing a humidifier in your home to increase humidity
gum infection
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.
Chapped Lips
It's hard to avoid exposing your mouth to the wind, cold, and sun while enjoying your favorite winter outdoor activities, but cooler weather can quickly dry out the thin skin on your lips. Soothe dry, chapped lips by dabbing on some petroleum jelly, and protect them from further damage by frequently applying a lip balm with sunscreen.
tooth sensitivity
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.
canker sores
Apthous ulcers tend to peak during the winter months due to the harsh, dry air that makes soft mouth tissues more susceptible to injury and infection. This is because saliva is needed to rid the mouth of bacteria and food debris that can cause infection, and the dry air results in less saliva in the mouth. In addition, the winter season affects our immune system and makes us more susceptible to infections in the mouth such as canker sores.
Canker sores can be made worse by contact with spicy and acidic foods, so it's a good idea to avoid them during the season if 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 use electrocoagulation to obliterate the aphthous ulcers under local anesthesia.
jaw pain
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.
Tips for the winter:
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and after illness to avoid reinfecting yourself
• Drink plenty of water and eat a tooth-friendly diet
• Contact your dentist if you have symptoms or concerns
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/
