4 Ways to Deal with Winter Mouth Issues

Winter is a beautiful time of year full of holiday festivities and family gatherings. However, it can be very hard to stay healthy because of the cold weather. You may be constantly worried about catching a cold or being taken down by the flu. In addition to these general health issues, you’re more likely to experience oral problems like sensitivity, dry mouth, and chapped lips. The good news is there are many ways to keep these problems at bay! Read on to learn a few helpful tips for managing these situations.

Moisturize Your Lips

The cold winter temperatures can affect the delicate skin on your lips, causing them to dry out and become chapped. You should regularly moisturize your lips with a balm that contains SPF to protect them from the dry weather. Plus, drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin hydrated while also alleviating dry mouth symptoms. You can also install a humidifier in your home for extra moisture.

Stay Hydrated

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is an oral condition that’s characterized by insufficient saliva in the mouth. It can be caused by certain types of medication and medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Since the dry winter air can worsen symptoms, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

If you have sensitive teeth, it may be because of worn-down tooth enamel. When the dentin is exposed, you might feel a sharp pain when the tooth in question comes into contact with hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks. Sadly, the cold air and wind can also leave your teeth feeling uncomfortable. To remedy these symptoms, you should incorporate toothpaste for sensitive teeth into your oral hygiene routine. It will contain ingredients that protect exposed dentinal tubules, lowering the likelihood of discomfort.

Keep Yourself Warm

You may already bundle up before stepping out into the winter cold. After all, there’s no better feeling than cozying up with a warm blanket or jacket! Well, it’s especially important for people with TMJ disorder to stay warm as it can help minimize jaw pain. Joints and muscles tense up when experiencing colder weather, which is why you should do what you can to keep yourself toasty. Doing so will reduce clenching or tightening in the jaw area.

About the Practice

At Real Dental, we want to make the process of achieving and maintaining a gorgeous smile as relaxing as possible. That’s why we’re happy to provide every service your family needs! From routine checkups to complex restorative treatments, we’re prepared to meet all your oral health needs. For more ways to deal with common winter mouth issues, visit our website or call (817) 406-7239.