Winter is here! And with it, of course, that biting wind, sleet, snow and everything else!
Winter weather isn’t just annoying, though. It can cause problems for your oral health. Here are some common winter oral health problems, and some tips on dealing with them from Dr. Donan, the best dentist in Fresno.
Chapped lips
Chapped lips can happen anytime of the year, but winter wind can dry out lips even faster than the summer sun.
You probably remember to drink lots of water when the weather is hot, but staying well hydrated during the winter is a good idea too. Drinking lots of water can help prevent chapped lips. You can also use a humidifier in your home if your lips and skin seem especially dry during the winter months. Applying lip balm can help as well if you are often outside, use a lip balm with at least SPF 15 to really protect lips.
Sensitive teeth
When you have sensitive teeth, walking down the street when the wind is blowing can be painful!
If your teeth seem even more sensitive than usual, it might be time to visit Dr. Donan, dentist in Fresno CA, and the staff at Dr Donan Clinic in Fresno. They may be sensitive because of a cracked or fractured tooth, enamel erosion or gingivitis. It may even be infected. Your dentist will be able to tell why your teeth are sensitive and offer you the appropriate treatment. He may recommend special toothpaste or mouthwash for sensitive teeth.
Dry mouth
Have you noticed that your mouth seems drier than usual now that it’s cold?
It’s not your imagination. In the winter, your mouth loses a little bit of moisture every time you exhale. This means less saliva in your mouth, which can cause a few problems for oral health, besides being annoying. Because saliva is important for flushing food and debris off teeth, a dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.
To keep your mouth hydrated:
- Make sure you drink lots of water
- Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco, which can make dry mouth worse
- Use a humidifier to add some moisture to the air in your home
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy
See your doctor if dry mouth persists or gets worse. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications or certain medical treatments and can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Keeping your mouth healthy during the winter
Your oral health may need special care during the winter because of the harsh conditions. However, you can help to keep your teeth healthy by taking good care of your teeth all year round! Brush twice a day and floss once a day and visit your dentist in Fresno Dr Donan twice a year!
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat right. A healthy diet with vitamins, minerals, protein and calcium not only keeps your body healthy, but it will keep your mouth healthy as well!
Whether you are having some winter tooth pain or you just need a good cleaning, you can count on Dr. Donan and the staff at Dr Donan clinic in Fresno CA. Call 559 222- 9923 today!
