6 Dental Tips for the Cold Weather
How to Take Care of Your Teeth as the Weather Gets Colder
As winter approaches and we head toward the colder months of the year, the weather can take its toll on our bodies - yes, even our teeth.
Living in the Phoenix area, it doesn’t get very cold, but it’s still important to take care of our teeth.
Let’s revisit some best practices before winter arrives.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
One of the best ways to protect your teeth and mouth from the cold weather is by staying properly hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist, preventing dryness that could lead to cracking and irritation.
It is recommended that you drink about 100 ounces of water per day. So to keep your mouth and gums properly hydrated through this winter season, make sure to drink plenty of water.
2. Brush Your Teeth Gently
To keep your teeth healthy and strong through the winter months, you should continue to brush your teeth twice per day (after breakfast and before bedtime) and floss once per day.
Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure that any buildup of bacteria and plaque is removed from your mouth, helping to prevent decay and damage.
3. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Snacks
Another important tip for protecting your teeth from the cold weather is to avoid sugary and acidic drinks and snacks.
Sugary drinks, such as sodas or fruit juices, can contribute to tooth decay by forming plaque on our teeth, while acidic foods and beverages can erode enamel over time.
For this reason, it is best to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks as much as possible during the winter months.
4. Wear a Mouthguard for Winter Sports
If you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, or the common wintertime team sports like basketball, football, and hockey, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
Even physical winter activities like sledding or snowball fights can cause damage to your teeth if you do not wear a mouthguard. So make sure to always wear a mouthguard when participating in any winter sports this season.
5. Use Lip Balm to Protect Your Lips from the Cold Weather
Something else you can do this winter is to apply lip balm to your lips regularly.
Your lips are prone to becoming cracked, sore, and dry in cold weather due to the extreme temperature changes between outside and inside environments.
To protect your lips from these effects, use a high-quality lip balm or moisturizing treatment throughout the winter season.
6. Schedule Regular Appointments with Your Tempe Dentist
Last but not the least, it is important to visit your dentist twice yearly for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.
This will help to keep your teeth and gums in optimal health throughout the winter months, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy all the delicious foods and beverages that winter has to offer without worrying about tooth decay or damage.
Whether you are a seasonal athlete or just enjoy winter activities, it is important to take steps to protect your teeth from the cold weather.
By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your mouth and gums healthy throughout this winter season and beyond.
