During winter, many people tend to focus on keeping their skin healthy and hydrated, which is a good thing. However, caring for one’s teeth should also be made a top priority. After all, studies show that a large percentage of people become increasingly susceptible to dental problems once temperatures start to fall.
What causes tooth pain during winter?
In many cases, those who are struggling with tooth pain usually have very little enamel left on their teeth. Multiple things can lead to enamel erosion, including consuming too many acidic drinks, poor oral hygiene, and much more. That said, if enamel gets too low, certain parts of the tooth will become more sensitive to changes in temperature. For this reason, those who are already struggling with sensitivity issues or pain caused by cavities, periodontal disease, or other dental problems may notice that these symptoms are worse during winter compared to other times of the year.
5 Dental care tips for winter
Now that we have a basic understanding of what makes dental pain worse in the winter, let’s go over 5 things that you can do to help minimize or even prevent dental pain:
1. Schedule a dental appointment
Most dentists, including those with Mountain View Dental, will agree that it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist ahead of the winter season, especially if you’re struggling with sensitivity issues or have existing dental problems. For example, if you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity, your dentist will likely start you on a fluoride treatment, which can strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. Also, resolving dental problems like cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease, for example, ahead of winter can help keep dental pain at bay.
2. Brush your teeth twice per day
While brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush should be done year-round, it is especially important during the winter as this is when we typically spend a lot of time eating meals with our friends and family, which means that plaque and food particles spend more time on our teeth and, in turn, increase our chances of developing cavities.
3. Limit sugar intake
During winter, especially as we move closer to the holidays, you might be tempted to overindulge on cookies, pastries, and even alcohol. It is important to note that these foods and beverages are high in sugar. That said, it would be a good idea to limit your consumption as it will help lower your chances of developing painful cavities.
4. Drink plenty of water
Because we spend more time indoors during the winter, we are often regularly exposed to central heating systems that not only contributes to dry skin but also a dry mouth, which can lead to a buildup in plaque and a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water is a great way to sidestep most, if not all, of these dental problems.
5. Quit smoking
Rounding out dental care tips for winter, if you smoke, quitting is a great way to minimize or even prevent dental pain. According to most dentists, smoking can cause your gums to recede. And the more they recede, the more sensitive your teeth will become.
Bottom line
All in all, there are multiple things that you can do to minimize or prevent dental pain this winter. For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy and pain-free, consider scheduling an appointment with Mountain View Dental today.