While visiting your dentist regularly, enjoying a balanced diet, and brushing and flossing daily are all important regardless of the time of year, there are dental health practices that are specific to the winter. Teeth contract in response to cold weather, increasing their sensitivity. Use these dental tips to avoid sensitivity and other tooth and gum issues this winter.

How to Care for Your Teeth in the Winter

1. Cover Your Face

Avoid the sensitivity and pain that come from tooth contractions by keeping your face covered when you go outside. Scarves and other similar winter apparel help prevent breathing in cold air, saving you from unnecessary pain. Sensitivity can worsen if you have exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.

2. Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

You can also help prevent sensitivity by using a desensitizing toothpaste. Use a calcium-based paste that fills any tiny holes in your teeth with this essential mineral. If you experience sensitivity that you don’t believe is due to the cold weather, visit your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Wear a Mouthguard

Wear a custom-made mouthguard or purchase a boil-and-bite guard to protect your teeth and gums while playing winter sports. Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, playing ice hockey, or engaging in any other fast-moving winter sport, you should use this simple device to prevent tooth and gum injuries.

4. Drink Plenty Of Water

Drink water to avoid dry air-related dehydration, which is common in the winter. It reduces saliva and leaves the mouth vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. Drink at least one gallon of water a day to maintain your oral health.

5. Relax Your Jaw

Avoid clenching your jaw when you head outside, especially if you get headaches after being outdoors in the cold. Use jaw-relaxing techniques and dress in warm clothing to avoid tensing up.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain due to cold weather, schedule an appointment at Four Corners Dental Group to give your teeth and gums the treatment and deep cleaning they need. This family dentistry practice has locations in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, and they offer cosmetic, general, and emergency dentist services to keep area residents smiling brightly. Call (907) 258-3384 today to make an appointment with a dentist, or visit their website to learn more about their services.