It is getting wintery out there, and stores are gearing up for the holiday celebrations. As the temperature drops, it can affect oral health, and festive treats can wreak havoc on your smile. However, with a little care, it is possible to ensure your teeth and gums remain strong and healthy throughout winter while enjoying all those parties and get-togethers.
Below are some problems that can affect dental health during winter and how to combat them.
Dry Mouth
As we spend more time indoors, we can be affected by the drier conditions caused by indoor heating, increasing the risk of dry mouth, where we do not produce as much saliva as normal. You can combat this effect by drinking plenty of plain water to stay hydrated.
If you are out celebrating and enjoying a glass or two of something alcoholic, then make a point of drinking water between each beverage. Alcohol dries out the mouth, so swishing plain water around your mouth will help lessen its impact. If you don’t drink very much water during winter, make a conscious effort to consume more H2O, and keep a large glass or refillable water bottle with you and sip frequently.
Sweet Treats
Pumpkin spice lattes, eggnog, and other seasonal treats are everywhere now but can be laden with sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay in Oshawa. Then there are all those cookies and chocolates that seem so comforting when it is cold outside.
It would be a shame to miss out on these annual treats, but consume them mindfully, making them part of a main meal rather than a sugary snack. After eating, wait half an hour before brushing and flossing. Your mouth is more acidic after eating sweet foods, softening tooth enamel and making it more vulnerable to enamel erosion. Waiting gives enamel time to re-harden as acidity levels normalize.
Ideally, finish your meal with cheese. It contains calcium and protein, and chewing cheese helps stimulate saliva production, washing away excess sugars and restoring a more neutral pH level more quickly.
Sporting Accidents
If you participate in any winter sporting activities that could damage your smile, come see us at Margolian Dentistry for a properly fitted sports mouthguard. Made from a tough thermoplastic material, a custom sports mouthguard in Whitby provides maximum protection for your teeth and can avoid the heartache of a sporting injury to the mouth. It is also far cheaper than potentially spending thousands of dollars on restorative dentistry to repair or replace knocked-out teeth over a lifetime.
Interruptions to Your Daily Oral Care Routine
When the festive season gets underway and life becomes even busier than normal, your oral care routine might fall by the wayside. Make a conscious effort to stick to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing each, even when you are tired and just want to go to bed. It will only take a few minutes, and it is much more pleasant than waking up the following morning with furry teeth, bad breath and a nasty taste.
Lastly, if it has been a while since your last dental checkup in Ajax, book your appointment now, especially if you have noticed a few niggles developing. Getting a checkup now could help you avoid a dental emergency during the holiday season, especially if you are going on vacation or visiting friends and family. Knowing your dental health is in great shape will also give you peace of mind.
