The cold air doesn’t only dry out your skin — it can be damaging to your teeth and mouth, as well. Here’s how to fix winter oral problems.

When the temperatures drop, you know it’s time for some winter preparation. You take the winter coats and scarves out of the closet to keep your body warm and remember to slather on extra moisturizer for your skin. But you may be neglecting another part of your body that is just as vulnerable to the cold — your mouth and teeth.

Good oral health is a year-round effort, but some oral issues become more noticeable and bothersome in the winter months. Avoid those winter oral problems by winter-proofing your mouth now!

Common Winter Oral Problems

Oral problems can strike any time of the year. However, these five conditions tend to develop more frequently or worsen due to the colder temperatures.

Chapped Lips. Less humidity in the air dries out the delicate skin of your lips. Dry, cracked lips can be painful. Before you venture out into the cold air, smooth lip balm with a sunscreen over your lips to keep them moist.

Dry Mouth. If you already suffer from dry mouth, the cold air can worsen the condition by decreasing the already small amount of saliva you do produce. To maintain your saliva level, boost your water intake. An added bonus of staying hydrated: Water washes away decay-causing food particles and bacteria.

Canker Sores. Canker sores develop on the soft tissues of your mouth, usually on your gums and tongue. Although not a serious oral issue, canker sores can be painful, and the problem tends to proliferate during the winter months. The dry air depletes saliva, making your mouth more susceptible to bacteria and infection. And when your immune system is already weakened as temperatures drop, your body cannot heal these lesions as quickly. Ease the pain of canker sores by rinsing with warm water mixed with salt, and avoid spicy and acidic foods that aggravate canker sores.

Jaw Pain. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) sits at each side of your head at the base of the skull. When you talk and chew, you’re using your TMJ joint, and, like all joints, it can stiffen up with the winter chill. For those who suffer from TMJ disorder, or persistent jaw pain, the winter months can be doubly brutal. The best way to minimize the pain is to keep warm by wrapping a scarf around your neck and jaw when outdoors.

Sensitive Teeth. As the enamel coating wears down, your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold sensations. During the colder months, teeth sensitivity increases as you breathe in frosty air and sip toasty drinks to keep warm. Protect your teeth from pain by brushing with a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. 

How to Winterproof Your Mouth

Whatever the season, consistent oral care is essential. In addition to the tips mentioned above to combat winter-related teeth discomfort, don’t neglect your normal dental care routine, and that means:

Brushing and Flossing Daily. Your toothbrush and a string of dental floss are your best weapons against bacteria and tooth decay. 

Changing Your Toothbrush. The germs that caused your winter sniffles may still stick to your toothbrush and re-infect your mouth. Although it’s recommended you get a new toothbrush every three months, you should do it sooner in the winter after you’ve had a cold.

Visiting Your Dentist. Keep up with your regular dental checkups — even when snow covers the ground. If you notice any usual symptoms, such as swollen gums, contact your dentist for evaluation and treatment.

Don’t let dental pain spoil your wintertime fun. With proper care, you can keep your mouth pain-free and healthy even when temperatures plunge.

Time for a Dental Checkup

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Oklahoma City location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth and give you tips on protecting your teeth and gums from winter oral problems. 

Don’t live near our Oklahoma City office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Oklahoma City, OK
12448 St Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120