How to Protect teeth during winters in Delhi

Winter is here and with it, comes the drastic change of weather! The cold temperatures are fun in theory, but what about the toll it takes on your health? Often times cold weather brings on a variety of pesky problems, like dry skin and irritated throats. But, the problems don’t stop there.
The fall in temperature affects your oral health as it affects the strength of teeth too. Just like any other part of our body, our teeth also feel the cold and if not taken care of properly they might face some serious damage. We all are familiar with the fact that we get more prone to get infected and fall sick due to cold or flu and this also becomes a huge reason for bacteria to foster and ground in the oral environment that could harm your teeth too. You must always remember that a healthy mouth is always a perfect gateway towards a healthy body and therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to your oral health.

Keep on reading to know more about how to protect your teeth during winters

1 – Can Cold Weather Hurt Teeth?

When it is too hot or too cold, your teeth also expand and contract a little. When this continues for a long time, it leads to cracks where microscopic tubes below the enamel can also get exposed and this leads to toothache. Do not clench you teeth if you are feeling cold, make sure you are wearing proper warm clothes to keep yourself warm. Do not bite on anything very cold, as in winters there is a high chance of frost bite, which commonly happens while biting on an ice-cream during winters. Exposure to the harsh winter sun can also cause cold sore breakouts (University Health Services of the University of Wisconsin-Madison). Spending time outside during the winter can definitely exacerbate cold sores at the worst time possible. To avoid cold sores, ensure that the skin around your mouth is protected. Try to keep the mouth covered when playing in cold windy weather and keep the corners of the mouth clean to avoid bacterial growth. Also, keep your stress levels low and cuddle up in your blanket to have a good sleep.

You may also want to consult the best dental clinic Meraki Dental Studio to keep your teeth happy and clean.

2 – Don’t Over Brush

Brushing teeth is brilliant but not for too long. American Dental Association recommends to brush for not more than 2-3 minutes. Over zealous tooth brushing can abrade enamel causing sensitivity.
To ensure good dental hygiene, it is important not to over-do it. Consider the Rule of Two for your brushing needs. You need to brush twice a day for two minutes. When you over brush, it can rub the enamel and cause teeth sensitivity. Therefore, you can have a routine where you brush once in the morning and once at night. You should also discard your toothbrush for a new one every two months. Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpastes which are plain and do not have granules as they might abrade teeth causing teeth sensitivity.

3 – Hunger pangs in winters?

Yes we all are a little more hungry in winters, but say yes to hot beverages rather than acidic carbonated drinks which can again erode the outer enamel layer and cause sensitivity.

Another reason to avoid acidic food stuff is Canker Sores, which might be the result of indulging in your favorite winter treats. Food stuff high in acid can be a causative agent , so if you’ve been sipping on cider or noshing on spicy treats during the holidays, canker sores can actually set in and ruin your fun. If you’re already suffering, try swishing a mixture of one teaspoon of salt and a half-cup of water to help clean the sores for faster healing. Alcohol-free mouthwashes such as Colgate® Peroxyl® Mouth Sore Rinse can also be used to relieve pain.

In winters one more thing to take care is to cut down on the sugar intake. Though winters is all about ‘Gajak and Till-Ke-Ladoo’, they are stick food and since there is less amount of water/fluid intake during winters, such food stuff have a higher chances of causing cavities.

Flu-Time Dental Care

During winters, it is easy to contract the flu because of the rapid weather ups and downs. And one of the symptoms of flu is nausea. We understand, while fighting with this illness, dental health is the last thing on your mind. However, if you ever vomit, it is important to rinse your mouth with a mouth wash because the acidic nature of the vomit can lead to dental erosion. The most common symptom of flu are vomit and nausea as all the bile which is in the stomach find it’s way out through your mouth. When you puke, the acidic ailments sit back in the dental cavity and if you do not clean it on time you can harm your oral health drastically. If you have any damaged tooth, it may hurt even more when you are ill.

Your Gums Need Attention Too

Apart from your teeth, your gums need an extra bit of attention too. Why? The cold and flu germs that make you sick can also cause gum infections, especially if you are already susceptible to any gum condition. So, apart from brushing twice a day, make sure you keep a check on the gums to notice any inflammation or redness. If that’s the case, you must consult your dentist near me immediately. Also, keep your hands or fingers away from your mouth. Finally, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash (a mild one) twice a day.

For Oh so Sensitive!!!!!

If you are someone who is already suffering from sensitive teeth, then make sure you always breathe only through your nose and not your mouth because cold air aggravates sensitivity. Teeth grinding during winter can lead to teeth attrition that can increase teeth sensitivity during cold weather. If you are suffering from teeth sensitivity, do make a point to meet the best dentist at Meraki Dental Studio where we can apply an anti-sensitivity coat on your teeth. This coating provides immediate relief from sensitivity.
Also, it would help if you changed the way you brush your teeth. First, opt for a soft-bristled brush as your enamel is already delicate, then make use of a toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth. If you are confused about which brand works for you, you can either talk to your dentist or choose something with sensitivity relief and cavity protection.

Drink More Water

You need to ensure that you are drinking plenty of water. If you don’t drink enough water, your body can become dehydrated, and the production of saliva goes down. When there is a lack of saliva, it becomes the perfect habitat for the bacteria to grow, causing tooth decay and gum infection.

Chapped lips is also one of the most common ailments of the winter season. To avoid painful cracked lips this season, invest in a good lip salve with SPF+ to keep them protected.

Therefore keeping yourself hydrated during winters should be a priority.

Winters are just as fun as any other season of the year and to enjoy it more with your Christmas tree and new year parties along with your family, make sure you are taking good care of your teeth to eat all the goodies during the festive season.

Call 011 41606066 to book appointment with the best dentist in Delhi if needed.