Oral Health Problems In The Winter
Our previous article discussed the topic of dental implants and whether they react to cold temperatures. The ultimate discovery was that most of the time, dental implants are not sensitive to cold temperatures. However, your natural teeth may be sensitive to colder weather conditions. Winter conditions can cause many different types of oral health problems. We at Jenson Dental have compiled a list of common oral health problems in the winter and several tips that will help protect your mouth in cold weather.
Tooth Sensitivity
As previously mentioned, sometimes cold weather can trigger sensitivity in teeth. Oftentimes, the reason why this happens is that the enamel of your teeth has worn down and is no longer able to provide full protection.
Another potential cause of tooth sensitivity could be receding gums exposing sensitive parts of your teeth. Cold food, drinks, or air temperatures can cause tooth sensitivity. The best way to avoid or treat tooth sensitivity is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, use a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth, and avoid acidic foods and beverages. If your tooth sensitivity seems to be chronic, set up an appointment with your dentist.
Cold Sores
Cold weather makes another oral health problem much more common. Cold sores are properly named because they tend to pop up more often in the winter months than any other part of the year. Cold sores are little red bumps that appear on the outside of your mouth, typically on the edges of your lips. They are caused by a virus, like a cold or the flu, but they can also be caused by cold weather.
Cold sores can be annoying and painful, so it is best to avoid them. The best way to do that is to make sure that you wash your hands often, avoid touching your face with your hands, and keep your lips and the area around your mouth well moisturized.
Dry Mouth & Lips
Perhaps the most common oral health problem is a dry mouth and lips. Both conditions are fairly self explanatory and both occur more frequently in the winter as the moisture in the air decreases. One of the best ways to make your lips and mouth less dry is to drink more water. Staying hydrated does wonders for your whole body. You may also consider putting a humidifier in your room overnight. Lastly, make sure to use Chapstick and to avoid sugar drinks. If either condition seems to worsen no matter what you do, see a local oral health professional.
Jaw Pain
While there are many other common oral health problems that individuals experience during the winter, the last one on our list today is jaw pain. Colder temperatures can cause muscles to tense up, which can lead to your jaw clenching. People who suffer with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may experience greater pain during the winter for this reason. The best way to combat jaw pain in the winter months is to keep the area warm by using a scarf when you’re out and about or a warming rice bag at home.
Do You Need Oral Health Care Services?
If you are experiencing any of the previous issues or any other oral health problem, we at Jenson Dental would be more than happy to offer you oral health care services. It is important to have access to a trained dental professional if you are experiencing any pain or other types of discomfort in your mouth or jaw. Our services cover helping individuals solve oral health problems and anything from general dental services to dental implants. Our talented and experienced dental team is looking forward to helping your smile reach its full potential. Feel free to reach out to us today for more information.