How to protect your teeth this winter
How to protect your teeth this winter
Like the rest of the body, the teeth are no stranger to sensitivity, especially in the cold. If exposed to the cold, the teeth might sustain some damage if not properly taken care of. It is even more important to protect your teeth and mouth this winter, with ailments like the flu and COVID-19 that could infect your bodies, and not offer additional breeding ground to bacteria. The mouth is the gateway to many diseases and also a key component of a healthy immune system, so it is all the more important to pay attention to your oral health
Here are ways to protect your teeth this winter:
Follow your daily routine, always
Suffering winter woes like a headache or sore throat that makes it hard to get out of bed can make daily routines such an impossible task. Even so, one way to combat these ailments is to make sure our mouth is clean and healthy so bacteria doesn’t breed in the mouth. Make sure to stick to your daily hygiene routine – floss, brush, rinse – so you will not find yourself with dental woes on top of what winter season may bring.
Pay attention to what you eat
Winter season always calls for sweet treats and delicacies to battle the cold. Hot cider, hot chocolate, and sweet pastries contain too much of the acidity and sugary goodness we all crave and unfortunately, are not the best of friends for our teeth. Make sure to consume in moderation and keep the sugar levels in your mouth in control. The sugar in your food can affect your enamel and make your teeth sensitive to the cold. You may consider opting your hot chocolate for an herbal tea! And remember to drink plenty of water to help away the sugar!
Treat ailments the sugar-free way
Oftentimes, medication we consume when we’re sick, like cough drops, contain high levels of sugar that can affect your teeth. There are other sugar-free options to treat winter woes. Ask your pharmacists for sugar-free medication.
Rinse, gargle, repeat
Nausea and vomiting can happen at any time of the year, but big holiday meals are known for causing acid reflux and heartburn for many people. Some acid residue can remain in the dental cavity when you experience vomiting or acid reflux that could damage your teeth if not cleaned properly. Remember to rinse with water or a mouthwash that contains fluoride and gargle to get rid of the bacteria and neutralize the acids.
This winter, keep these tips in mind and enjoy a healthy mouth, teeth, and body! Don’t forget to keep safe always and keep in mind that a healthy mouth is a healthy body! For more information on the various services we offer, click here.