Maintaining oral health, especially during the winter in Scottsdale, can be more challenging than in other seasons, mainly due to cold weather, diet changes, and indoor dry heating. This can lead to dental problems, which may severely affect oral health during the winter season. So, that is why maintaining oral health is very essential. Visit a dentist in Scottsdale AZ, to learn the best tips for avoiding dental problems during the winter season.
Dental problems to avoid during the winter season
Here are some of the dental problems that commonly occur during winter, along with some tips on how to avoid or prevent them from happening.
Problems due to cold air
- The most common dental problem is tooth sensitivity, which is caused by exposure of the teeth to cold air, which triggers the sensitivity of the teeth. People with worn-down enamel or receding gums are at a higher risk as their teeth become more exposed to cold air. To avoid tooth sensitivity, one can use toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth and avoid hot or cold drinks.
- The use of a scarf or mask is also very helpful. Another problem is dry mouth because of decreased saliva production, which can be prevented by drinking plenty of water.
Halitosis
- Bad breath also known as halitosis, can also be caused due to reduced saliva production, as saliva is essential for the washing away of bacteria and food particles. Such problems can be avoided by avoiding the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes, maintaining hydration, and brushing and cleaning the tongue and mouth regularly.
- Cracked corners of the mouth and chapped lips are also very common dental problems during the winter season. They are mainly caused by contact with cold and dry air, which leads to infection around the mouth and also discomfort. It can be prevented by the use of lip balm for the protection of the lips and by maintaining hydration to avoid drying out the skin.
Tooth decay and cavities
These days, tooth decay and cavities are also common winter problems as there is an increase in the intake of sweets, candies, chocolate, and drinks, which causes cavities and tooth decay. So, they should be avoided by limiting their intake; regular brushing and flossing are also of great help. Sometimes, teeth grinding or bruxism can also occur due to cold weather or stress, and it can be avoided by wearing a custom-made guard while sleeping and by maintaining the stress.
How can tooth sensitivity be prevented during the winter?
As we know, cold temperatures can stimulate high sensitivity of teeth, especially if you have weekend enamel or tooth roots, which can lead to a high risk of tooth sensitivity. To prevent such problems during cold weather, use toothpaste made specially for sensitive teeth, try to reduce changes in the temperatures that will be harmful to your mouth, and try to avoid very cold food or hot food or beverages as much as possible. But if the sensitivity still persists, then you should visit and consult your dentist as early as possible and also treat the underlying dental issues to prevent further complications.
Tips to maintain good oral health during the winter season
During the winter season, there is a high chance that your oral health will be affected due to sudden weather and routine changes, exposure to cold weather, and dietary changes. Therefore, there are some tips that need to be followed to maintain good oral hygiene during the winter season, which include
- Maintaining a strict routine by using a regular toothbrush twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride,
- Staying hydrated is important as there is a high risk of getting dehydrated, which may affect the production of your saliva and cause dryness in your mouth. So, to prevent such problems, you should maintain hydration by drinking water frequently.
If you are facing any problems, then you should immediately visit your nearby dentist to detect and evaluate the issues early to prevent your discomfort.
