Changeable winter temperatures can affect your teeth and oral health in many ways. While we’re lucky enough here in QLD to get mild temperatures in most areas in winter, western and southern (inland) can get very chilly, especially at night.
That said; just because we don’t experience very harsh cold temperatures in this part of the world, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be aware of the effects cold weather can have on teeth.
Why Cold Weather Triggers Tooth Sensitivity
Does cold weather make your teeth more sensitive? Just like cold foods, exposing your teeth to cool temperatures can lead to sensitivity and, in some cases, pain.
There is a reason behind this. Typically, the enamel on our teeth acts as a protective barrier around the inner area, known as dentin. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the nerves of a tooth. In hot and cold temperatures, your teeth naturally expand and contract. This exposes the sensitive dentin, which causes pain.
Teeth may also become more sensitive if the layer of enamel has thinned, exposing more dentin. This may occur due to over-brushing, grinding or the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Likewise, cavities expose dentin, increasing sensitivity. If your gums have receded due to gum disease or brushing too hard, you will have more exposed dentin and more sensitive teeth.
Managing Dry Mouth During Winter
Dry mouth is an unpleasant condition. Some symptoms include a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, sores in the mouth, cracked lips, a dry and rough tongue, frequent thirst, and bad breath.
Dry mouth tends to be more common during cold weather for a variety of reasons. This includes decreased humidity in the cold air and heated indoor environments and decreased hydration during cold weather. Colds and other viral illnesses that cause sinus issues are also more common, often leading to mouth breathing.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to tackle this. One of the key ways of combating dry mouth is by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your salivary glands to produce more saliva, which in turn helps your teeth. Similarly, you could consume more high water content foods such as tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers as part of a balanced diet. Limiting drinks that have a dehydrating effect can also make a big difference. Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake and limit acidic foods.
Preventing Chapped Lips and Gum Irritation
Chapped lips are a common problem for most of us in winter. In addition to staying hydrated, there are a number of things you can do to prevent and treat chapped lips.
Choosing a moisturising lip balm or ointment will improve the condition of your lips. We recommend one containing beeswax or petroleum jelly. This should reduce the urge to lick, chew or bite your lips.
Additionally, covering your lips with a scarf when out and about will protect them from the harshness of the cold weather.
When it comes to protecting your gums in the cold weather, the best thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. A balanced diet and hydration will help too. Additionally, look at the measures above to help with dry mouth.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Winter
If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity in the cold weather, choosing the right toothpaste can provide relief. At a minimum, it is vital that your toothpaste contains fluoride to protect the enamel and teeth from decay.
Additionally you may want to look for brands specifically designed to relieve sensitivity. These contain active ingredients that block the pain signals from reaching the sensory nerves inside the tooth.
The Importance of Hydration for Oral Health
Staying hydrated is one of the top ways to promote good oral hygiene. Dry mouth is one of the top contributors to gum disease and tooth decay.
This is because saliva is essential for cleaning the mouth. It washes away food debris, which can feed bacteria and promote tooth decay. It also neutralises acid created by bacteria in the mouth, helping to avoid cavities and loss of enamel. Saliva also contributes to enamel remineralisation as it contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which are essential minerals for strengthening tooth enamel.
Lack of saliva can also cause gum inflammation and infection, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. This is because proper hydration helps keep the gums firm and strong enough to keep the teeth in place.
This is why drinking adequate amounts of water and avoiding dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and caffeine is essential to optimal oral health.
Dietary Tips for Winter Oral Health
To maintain good oral health during winter, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet should be top of your to-do list. The goal is to prioritise your diet so that it is rich in the minerals and nutrients your body needs during the colder months.
An important group of foods to integrate into your diet is crunchy vegetables. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers aren’t just healthy and full of minerals, they also stimulate saliva production. This helps clean the mouth and neutralise acids.
It is very important to also seek out sources of calcium. Milk-based products, fish with small bones and leafy green vegetables are all excellent dietary choices. Alternatively, look for food and beverages fortified with calcium.
For optimal gum health, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are vital. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is important for gum health.
Nuts and seeds are another perfect addition. Almonds, walnuts and sesame seeds are rich in phosphorus, which is crucial for gum health.
Lastly, it is highly recommended that you strictly limit acidic and sugary foods and drinks. Both acid and sugar erode the enamel on teeth, promoting decay.
Need Advice On Taking Care Of Your Teeth
My Family Dental provides patient-focused care and top-quality treatments. Our friendly dentists are happy to give advice to help you optimise your oral care. If you’re looking for a dentist in Queensland, we’d love to welcome you to one of our clinics. Visit our contact page to book an appointment.
