With winter comes dry skin, chapped lips, and more stiff and aching joints from the chilly weather. Just as with other parts of your body, your gums, jaws, and throat can take a toll from the frosty air as well. To protect your oral health during the darker months, follow our three most important dental health care tips below.
Also, visit our Bloor West Dental Clinic at The Little Green Building in Toronto for any dental procedures and further information today!
Tip #1: Drink More Water
When you’re out in the cold weather, it doesn’t take long for your skin to tighten uncomfortably and your lips to dry out against the lashing wind. When you speak or eat while exposed to these low temperatures, the inside of your mouth experiences the same dryness.
As you lose saliva, bad breath and other oral conditions like xerostomia, or dry mouth, can occur. What’s more, since saliva’s main purpose is to flush out particles from your teeth and gum line and to fight bacteria, a lack of saliva can make you more prone to cavities, gum disease, and other oral concerns.
At The Little Green Building, we understand you’re constantly on the go. Drinking more water to keep your body and mouth hydrated can take a back seat to other needs. That’s why we offer fillings and root canal therapy for tooth decay and infection on top of regular cleanings for better oral health.
Tip #2: Keep Your Neck and Face Warm
Another dental health care tip consists of keeping your head and neck wrapped in a hat and scarf when you leave your house. Even at home, wearing turtle necks and covering up with blankets will keep your gums and jawbones safe.
Your jaws, like your other joints, can feel the impact of a frostbitten day. The muscles can contract, making it harder to move your mouth without unnerving shooting pains. Those with TMJ disorder should especially care for their mouth in the winter.
Our staff at The Little Green Building will help you find the right bruxism appliance or another mouth guard to reposition the joints in your jaws, taking the pressure off your bite.
Tip #3: Pay Closer Attention to Your Sensitive Teeth
If you have all the sensitivity of deep cavities with none of the decay, a popular dental health care tip is to talk to your dentist about using fluoride toothpaste.
As with ice water, frozen drinks, and cold fruit, breathing in the crisp air around you can create a painful oral feeling. However, brushing your teeth with toothpaste like Sensodyne can alleviate sharp discomfort.
The Little Green Building
Read more about how to keep your gums healthy during the long Toronto winter or schedule an appointment to treat and care for your teeth and overall health. Call us at The Little Green Building at (416) 769-8135 to join our family today!
