Every change in season brings with it a host of health issues. Yet, not many people are aware with the common dental problems associated with particular weather conditions. The holiday season is particularly conducive to dental issues, with all the candy, dessert and fatty food gorged down in the spirit of celebration. To make things a tad easier for you, here is a look at a few handy dental care tips for the winter:
Brush Your Teeth
This one is a no-brainer and you probably don’t need a reminder for brushing your teeth at least twice a day. The main reason why this is mentioned as a tip here is that regular brushing keeps plaque from building up and cleaner teeth are less prone to sensitivity, which can be a nuisance when the temperature gets close to zero. As a side note, it is a good idea to use sensitivity toothpastes for brushing your teeth during the winter.
Stop Smoking
You would know the impact of tobacco on your gum health and teeth color but did you know smoking can increase the risk of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis during the winter? The symptoms of this ailment are painful and discomforting, such as bad breath, gum pain, and most significantly, damage to gum tissue. Stop smoking, at least for the winter, to reduce the risk.
Visit a Dentist
Last, but not the least, with the winter yet to take full effect, now is the time to schedule a visit to the dentist. This is important because your immune system will be working at full tilt to fight off the harmful effects of the cold weather and it could increase the risk of inflammation or infection of the gums. You don’t want to spend Christmas with your gums infected, as it can be painful.
So, these are a few basic dental care tips for the winter that you should follow. As you can see, it doesn’t take much to ensure your teeth remain in top shape during the holiday season!
