Winter’s dry indoor air, sugary holiday treats, and outdoor sports each carry their own set of risks for your teeth and gums, but a few simple precautions go a long way toward protecting your smile through the season.
At Bagoff Dental Arts in Livingston, NJ, we see the same winter-related dental concerns come up every year. Here is what to watch for and how to stay ahead of it.
Remember to Hydrate
Dehydration is bad for your health in general, and it is bad for your dental health specifically. A dry mouth is more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay, because there is less saliva available to maintain a healthy oral environment. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria, helps neutralize the acids they produce, and strengthens enamel with its mineral content.
Summer heat and perspiration are obvious causes of dehydration, but winter has its own, more subtle ones:
- You lose moisture through a winter workout just as you do in summer. That foggy cloud you see when you exhale outdoors is water vapor leaving your body.
- Cold weather means running the heating system more, and unlike humid summer outdoor air, heated indoor winter air tends to be drier.
- Many people simply feel less thirsty during winter months and do not hydrate as consistently as they do in summer, when produce and iced drinks naturally add water to the diet.
Keep up with your daily recommended water intake year-round for a healthier body, and healthier teeth and gums.
Wear Your Mouthguard for Winter Sports
Skiing, hockey, snowboarding, and skating can all be hard on your teeth, which is why wearing a mouthguard while you play is worth the small hassle. Mouthguards help prevent injuries to your teeth and add protection for your jaw and mouth as well.
Winter hazards are not limited to snow and ice, either. The combination of hard courts, flying elbows, and body contact makes basketball one of the leading sources of dental injuries during the colder months. Any sport that involves falls or physical contact is a good candidate for a mouthguard.
Mouthguards come in a few different forms:
- Stock, one-size-fits-all mouthguards, available at drugstores and sporting goods stores
- “Boil-and-bite” mouthguards, softened in hot water and then shaped by biting down, offering a somewhat better fit than a stock guard
- Custom-made mouthguards from our office, precisely molded to your teeth and mouth so you can speak and breathe more comfortably while staying protected
If you have not been fitted for a mouthguard, or your old high school guard has long since been retired, ask us about a custom PlaySafe sports mouthguard. A custom guard fits your teeth precisely, which makes it far more comfortable, and more likely to actually get worn, than an over-the-counter option.
Get to the Bottom of Winter Tooth Sensitivity
That first breath of frosty air can be more alarming than invigorating if it triggers a jolt of tooth pain. Sensitivity to cold air or warm winter drinks is worth paying attention to, since it can point to an underlying issue such as:
- A cracked tooth
- An untreated cavity
- Exposed dentin, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel
- Receding gums
- Enamel wear from over-vigorous brushing
Occasional mild sensitivity is common, but sensitivity that is new, worsening, or localized to one tooth is a good reason to schedule an exam rather than wait it out. Our toothache and tooth sensitivity page can help you understand what to look for.
Watch the Holiday Treats
Between holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and stocking-stuffer candy, winter often means more sugar exposure than the rest of the year. Sticky, chewy sweets such as caramel and taffy are especially tough on teeth, since they cling to enamel and between teeth far longer than a quickly dissolved treat. If you indulge, try to do it with a meal rather than grazing on sweets throughout the day, and rinse with water or brush afterward when you can.
Do Not Let a Busy Season Delay Your Dental Visit
Winter is a busy time of year for most households, and it is easy to let a dental appointment slide. But if you are due for a checkup and cleaning, or you have any concerns about sensitivity, a cracked tooth, or a mouthguard fitting, this is exactly the season to make time for it. Small problems are far easier to address before winter sports, holiday travel, and cold weather put extra strain on your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Dental Care
Why do my teeth hurt more in cold weather?
Cold air and cold drinks can trigger nerve sensitivity in teeth, especially where enamel has thinned or a small crack has developed. Sudden or worsening sensitivity is worth having examined, since it can point to a cavity or other underlying issue.
Do I really need a custom mouthguard for casual winter sports?
Even recreational skiing, skating, or pickup basketball carries a real risk of a fall or collision. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers better protection and a more comfortable fit than a stock or boil-and-bite guard, which makes you more likely to actually wear it.
Can dry winter air really affect my teeth and gums?
Yes. Dry indoor heat lowers the humidity around you, and combined with lower winter fluid intake, it can leave you with less saliva. Since saliva helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acid, a persistently dry mouth raises your risk for decay and gum irritation.
Is it normal for holiday sweets to cause more cavities than usual?
An occasional treat is not a problem on its own, but the frequency and stickiness of holiday sweets, combined with less consistent routines during a busy season, can add up. Sticking to your regular brushing and flossing schedule during the holidays helps offset the extra sugar exposure.
Should I schedule a cleaning before or after the winter holidays?
Either works, but many patients find that getting a cleaning done before the holidays gives them a clean slate heading into a season with more sweets and travel. If you are already due for a visit, do not wait for a “better” time.
Schedule Your Winter Dental Checkup
A little preparation now keeps small dental issues from turning into a bigger problem during a season that is already busy enough. Contact our Livingston, NJ office to schedule your cleaning, ask about a custom mouthguard, or have any winter sensitivity checked out before it gets worse.
