The 3 Most Common Dental Issues Suffered During the Winter and how to get rid of them

The cold temperatures are fun in theory, but what about the toll it takes on your health? Often the chilly weather brings on a variety of pesky health problems and oral health is a no doubt. The cold temperature puts our oral health at a risk.

Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, weather sensitivity can make a difference, but you’re at greater risk if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. As the winter months dawn upon us, it is important to keep up healthy teeth and be more resilient towards gum habits. 

Here are the 3 most common dental issue many of us go through during winters. But, don’t worry, be sure to read and follow these tips to ensure you are giving your smile the best care in this chilly weather!

 1. Tooth Sensitivity: 

Many Australians have shared that they have experienced increased tooth sensitivity due to cold temperatures. If you have teeth that are sensitive to cold drinks and foods, you may experience discomfort, but this can not only come from foods but the chilly air outside too! If you find that you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, here are a few tricks you can do to help avoid discomfort.

• Try to use a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth. 
• Rinsing out your mouth with salt water helps to reduce the discomfort 
• Talk to your dentist, sometimes it can be as simple as adding fluoride to your regular cleanings and checkups. 
• Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice daily and floss at least once a day to get rid of bits of food a toothbrush can’t reach.

Keep toothache and sensitivity at bay with continuous dental checkups.

2. Gum Infection

Winter chills and weaker immune systems can leave your gums more vulnerable to inflammation and infection. Not only that gum infection is also regarded as the number one reason for tooth loss. People who don’t get their oral health examined regularly develop large pieces of tartar buildup deep within the gum. Plaque, which is a city of bacteria, gets trapped underneath the tartar and causes the infection. During winter, your immune system is often busy fighting other diseases. This allows the bacteria in your gums to grow uncontrollably, which causes the infection.

Try to avoid touching your mouth to help keep away germs and continue to keep up good oral hygiene habits.

 It is best advised to seek a dentist in Craigieburn immediately to treat your gum infection before it worsens.

3. Dry mouth

Production of Saliva is less due to less moisture in the air and less saliva production can lead to a feeling of dry mouth. It includes a rough tongue, dry lips, bad breath, sticky saliva and difficulty chewing, eating and swallowing. As it occurs with the absence of saliva, and this can cause redness and irritation of the mouth and throat, which left untreated, can lead to infection.

Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and consider placing a humidifier in your home to increase moisture in the air. Turning on a humidifier at night so that the air doesn’t get too dry in your room is one good idea to avoid dry mouth and having a glass of water by your bedside can be helpful whenever you are consistently waking up during the night or feeling some dryness.

However, it is better to prevent the development of dry mouth rather than try to cure and repair, so regular checkups with your dentist, whether you’re having issues or not, are an important part of taking care of your oral health.

Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why we the dentist at Dazzling Smile Dentalwant to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape this season! 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our office, give us a call at 03-8339-4253 or book online.

 In the meantime, stay warm out there!

Dazzling Smiles Dental operates in the heart of Craigieburn, conveniently located within Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre. We cater to patients of all ages whether it be young or old. 

Our highly trained staff at Dazzling Smiles Dental are committed to providing excellent dental care to you and your family.