5 Ways To Protect Your Teeth This Winter
When winter swoops in and temperatures dip, your teeth can become more susceptible to a wide range of problems, like tooth sensitivity and cracks. You might think that waiting until the weather warms up to schedule an appointment is best, but the truth is your teeth need some extra love during the winter months.
Here are five things you can do to protect your teeth during the winter and beyond:
Change your toothbrush – If tooth sensitivity is an issue for you, it may be wise to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your delicate enamel and choose a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you brush your teeth right after a meal, wait a few minutes to avoid damaging your enamel.
Take care of your gums – Unfortunately, the winter months also mean cold and flu season, and those same germs that can make you sick can also lead to infections in your gums. Pay close attention and watch for signs of redness and inflammation. Don't touch your mouth with your hands, and use mouthwash when you brush your teeth.
Don’t forget your scarf – Wearing a scarf during winter does more than just keep your face and neck warm, it also protects your teeth and jaw. Wearing a scarf during the winter can help avoid cold weather-related dental issues.
Drink your water – We tend to drink more coffee, tea, or hot cocoa during the winter and forget to drink our water. That can cause dehydration, which means less saliva production, creating a perfect environment for bacteria growth. Eek! And more sugar also means more bacteria growth that encourages tooth decay. To protect your teeth, drink plenty of water during the winter.
Schedule your winter dental appointment and cleaning – Cold winter weather can take its toll on your teeth, especially if you don't prepare for the temperature changes. The colder temps can cause your teeth to expand and lead to small cracks in your tooth enamel. Cracks need to be repaired quickly, otherwise, they can expand and cause damage to your enamel. To protect your teeth, start by seeing us for a checkup.
