How to Avoid Winter Mouth Issues

The cooler months bring holidays, time spent with family and friends, and fun in the snow, but the cold dry air can do a number on your oral health. Winter mouth issues are something that many people deal with, but your Chaska dentist has some tips to share that can help you keep you fight against the freeze this season.

Fighting Winter Mouth Issues

Unless you and your family are planning on spending the next several months in the Outback, you’re all in for another chilly winter up north. While the snow is pretty and fun to play in, the wintery bluster is not a friend to oral health. Here are some easy actions you can take this season to protect your mouth from Jack Frost’s bite:

Breathe Through Your Nose When You’re Outside

Millions of people suffer from tooth sensitivity, and extreme temperatures further aggravate this condition. Colder air also causes your teeth’s enamel to contact, which can cause breakage if you’re also consuming hot beverages which can result in rapid expansion. Try to breathe out of your nose when you’re in the extreme cold in order to protect your teeth from the elements.

Keep Your Lips Hydrated

One of the most common winter mouth issues is chapped lips caused by cold wind and dry air. Using petroleum jelly or other moisturizers is a great temporary measure, however, the best thing you can do to keep your lips moist is drink water. When your entire body is hydrated, it prevents the skin on your lips from drying out and cracking.

Limit Your Caffeine Intake

Even if you’re typically a one-cup-a-day coffee drinker, you may find yourself indulging in a second or third around the holidays to keep you going amidst all the busyness. It might seem like a great idea in the moment, but caffeine is a severe dehydrator. Whatever your caffeinated beverage of choice is, it’s important to be conscious of the amount that you’re indulging in.

Steer Clear of Germs

The winter months also bring cold and flu season. These common illnesses often involve severe nasal congestion, resulting in the need to breathe out of your mouth. This can cause it to dry out, which increases the chance of bacteria spreading and causing infection and decay. If you’ve learned anything this year, it’s probably how important it is to take care of your health. Be sure to wash your hands often and avoid germs as much as possible this season to keep your body and mouth healthy!

You may not have power over the weather, but you do have the ability to control how you approach the season when it comes to maintaining your oral health. Enjoy this winter and be sure to practice these helpful tips to keep your smile in good shape!

About the Practice

Dr. Mark M. Stapleton has been leading the team of experts at White Oak Dental for almost a decade. It is his priority to ensure that every patient he sees is equipped with the tools they need to maintain overall oral health. With over five-hundred hours of continuing education under his belt, he has the knowledge and experience to treat everyone with the highest quality of care. Are you ready to fight the freeze for your mouth this winter? Schedule an appointment online or call (952) 448-2868.