Now that the chillier months are upon us, you are probably looking forward to some holidays, wonderful family meals, and festive music. No matter what you’re doing during these coming months, there is something for everyone to become eager about. However, something that no one enjoys is the winter mouth issues that come along with the season. The good news is that your dentist in Columbia is here to help you get some relief. Continue reading to learn more about different winter mouth problems and what you can do to lessen them.
Chapped Lips
During this time of year, the combination of the elements can easily damage the delicate skin of your lips. The cold air, wind, and the sun’s rays are the perfect combination to leave you with dry, cracked lips. To prevent this from occurring, you much keep them moisturized. To do this, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day and use a lip balm that contains at least SPF 15. Remember to apply it often throughout the day. In order to add extra moisture into the air as you sleep, try investing in a humidifier. If your lips are already chapped, apply petroleum jelly to lock in the moisture.
Dry Mouth
In addition to being the holiday season, the winter also tends to be flu and cold season. If you are unlucky enough to contract one of these bugs, you are likely to be left behind with a stuffy nose, causing you to breathe through your mouth more frequently. In the end, you could end up with dry mouth. To reduce this, remember to drink plenty of water and limit your caffeine intake. Chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to increase your saliva flow.
Sensitivity
Many people find themselves dealing with increased sensitivity at this time of year. This occurs because you are breathing in cold air much more often which lowers the temperature in your mouth. This can cause you to experience and unpleasant sensation. To reduce this, remember to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth so the air will bypass your teeth and go directly to your lungs. Another thing you can do is start using a fluoridated toothpaste that is made for people who have sensitive teeth.
Canker Sores
Have you noticed that you tend to get more canker sores during this time of the year? This is probably because you are indulging in more sweets than you usually are. To prevent these from developing, go easy on the cider, sugary sweets, and spicier dinners. To help these sores to heal more quickly, rinse your mouth with a mixture of a half cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt.
Winter can be disruptive for your smile, but by taking the precautions above, you can prevent oral health issues. Here’s to beginning the new year cavity-free!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart earned his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education in order to keep his knowledge and skills as sharp as possible. He has received training in many areas of the field including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. For more tips on keeping your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (931) 388-8452.