There are all sorts of news bulletins providing you with ideas to “beat the heat” as summer approaches each year, but don’t forget to prepare for that other extreme season. After all, it’s not as if the human body is immune to extremely cold weather either.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to avoid winter mouth issues in Topeka and Silver Lake. Keep reading to learn some simple tips from your dentist that will allow you to enjoy the snowy time of year without giving your oral health the cold shoulder.
Tip 1: Drink Water Often
When you have an insufficient amount of saliva, it results in what is commonly referred to as “dry mouth.” From taking certain types of medication to medical treatments like chemotherapy to smoking, there are a lot of causes of dry mouth. Dry winter air can exacerbate this issue, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will also help hydrate your skin and prevent chapped lips.
Tip 2: Stay Warm
When you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, wearing warm clothing can help control jaw pain, since your joints and muscles tense up in chilly weather. Simply staying warm helps reduce any clenching or tightening in the jaw area.
Tip 3: Use the Appropriate Toothpaste
If drinking hot cocoa or apple cider brings about sharp, short-duration pain in your teeth, you may have sensitive teeth. When your tooth enamel is weakened and breaks down, the layer below it – dentin – gets exposed to foods and beverages to cause discomfort. Cold temperatures can also be troublesome in this case. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth in Topeka and Silver Lake protects exposed dentinal tubules from harm and makes ingesting items with hot or cold temperatures a more comfortable experience.
Tip 4: Use a Humidifier
With less humidity in the air during the winter months, your skin is more prone to drying out and becoming cracked. Using a humidifier in your home adds extra moisture in the air to help keep your skin and lips healthy.
Tip 5: Wear Lip Balm
The skin on your lips is delicate and chaps easily, making it very susceptible to cold, dry air. Using a lip balm with SPF is important to protect your lips from the sun, even in the winter, and keep them moisturized.
Whether you are into ice skating, building a snowman, or just going for a walk in chilly conditions, you don’t want to let your oral health suffer when a few easy-to-follow steps could keep your personal winter wonderland going strong! Part of your winter oral care regimen should include a visit to your dentist in Topeka and Silver Lake for a checkup.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Michel has been providing high-quality dental care to his patients for nearly 40 years now. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Michel was a proud recipient of the Harry M. Klenda Award from the Kansas Dental Association and he’s a member of the American Dental Association. If sensitive teeth are causing you pain due to cold or any other reason, we are ready to help – just schedule an appointment on our website or there you can find the number to call our office that’s most convenient for you.