4 Tips to Fight Winter Mouth Issues

With the winter months come warm drinks, holiday movies, and an assortment of tasty seasonal treats. Unfortunately, the colder months also mean winter mouth issues like sensitive teeth and cracked lips may be lurking right around the corner. So, what can you do to keep these problems at bay? Here are four useful tips that can help you prevent winter mouth issues in Beachwood.

Tip #1: Pick the Right Toothpaste

For many people, cold weather means increased tooth sensitivity. This can make their pearly whites more sensitive to hot foods and beverages as well as pressure from biting or chewing. Desensitizing toothpaste can protect your smile and alleviate discomfort by shielding the nerve endings in your teeth from irritants.

Tip #2: Drink Water

Dry mouth occurs when you aren’t producing enough saliva, and it can lead to a range of issues , including cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, enamel erosion, dental staining, and other oral health issues. Common causes of dry mouth include certain medication and treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. The dryness of winter air can worsen dry mouth, which will allow harmful oral bacteria to flourish and damage your oral health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat these issues as well as to keep your mouth moist and your skin hydrated.

Tip #3: Stay Warm

Cold weather can cause muscles to stiffen. If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, this can make the joints more difficult to move, which will likely lead to additional discomfort. Make sure to bundle up and wear warm layers when you go out to help minimize joint stiffness.

Tip #4: Add Moisture

The humidity is lower in the winter months, which makes the air feel drier than it does when it’s warm outside. Because of this, your skin dries out more than usual, and your skin and lips can become chapped lips. To prevent this, apply moisturizer and lip balm that contains SPF. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to reincorporate moisture into the air for crack-free lips and skin.

Winter may be fun, but you need to be extra diligent with how you care for your oral health. By using the above tips, you can prevent winter mouth issues and keep your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw healthy all season long.

About the Practice

Are you excited for the colder months but unsure of how to combat winter mouth issues? That’s where Dr. Jed M. Koops, Dr. Jerome L. Faist, and their Beachwood team at Orange Place Family Dentistry come in. This talented team of dental experts strives to help you maintain excellent oral health and can provide you with tips and tricks to show cold weather who’s boss. Are you interested in setting up an appointment or have questions about how to prevent winter mouth issues? Call Orange Place Family Dentistry’s office at (216) 464-2448 or visit their website to get started.