It seems a very long time ago since we were basking in what was a long hot summer. Those days have now gone for a while (and possibly a long while knowing the weather here!) and we are entering the colder months of the year. Inevitably, we do different things, such as spending less time outdoors, when the colder weather arrives. It often means that we change our routines as well.
While a change of routine brings opportunities to do new things, not all of these are great for our oral health. Several months of these new changes of habit can have a significant impact on the oral health of our Staines patients. In today’s blog, we take a look at some of the things to watch out for to help you keep your teeth and gums in good health over the winter months.
Once the cooler weather arrives, we are less likely to be eating salads and instead, turning to what we commonly call ‘comfort foods’. These include the likes of heavier meals such as stews or curries, but also often include robust desserts too. These desserts often contain high levels of sugar which, as everyone knows, is bad for your teeth and a leading cause of tooth decay. While there is nothing wrong with the odd ‘pudding’, just keep in mind that too many of these will increase the risk of dental problems.
Snacking while under the duvet catching up on the box sets that we missed by being outdoors more during the summer is also a risk. Not only might these snacks be high in sugar, but consistent snacking doesn’t allow your teeth to remineralise and can leave them more vulnerable to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Try to eat meals with gaps between them to allow your teeth sufficient time to recover.
The colder months see the start of the colds and flu season. This can cause problems for our teeth. Some of the cough syrups and other medications that we take, and especially those that we suck, can easily introduce a lot of sugar into your mouth. In the case of lozenges and syrups, they are sticky and can hang around for some time. Make sure to brush your teeth really well if you are using these and, under no circumstances, should you have syrup or lozenges after you have cleaned your teeth at night.
Tooth pain, especially in the upper rear teeth, is more common at this time of the year. This does not necessarily indicate that decay is present though. Especially if you have recently had a cold, this could be caused by pressure in the sinus cavity which is located just above this area. If you have had a cold and experience this, it should go away fairly quickly. If it doesn’t or the pain is severe or you are concerned, please call the Clarence Dental Practice so that we can check this for you, and treat it if necessary.
We need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth. This is more easily available during the summer as we get much of it from the rays from the sun. In winter though, there is generally less sun, and even when it is out, we tend to be wrapped up against the cold, leaving our skin less exposed. A vitamin D supplement is often recommended at this time of the year. You might wish to speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure if this is suitable for you.
This one often surprises people, but dehydration is common in the winter months. Our bodies still need plenty of water to stay hydrated. We might drink more hot drinks, but some, like tea, are actually diuretics which lead to water loss. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, even when the weather is cold. Not only are you likely to feel better for it but it will help you to avoid problems caused by gum disease which is more likely when the mouth is dry and the bacteria can multiply more rapidly.
You may have noticed this in the summer too, when drinking hot or cold drinks, but some people notice tooth sensitivity more in the winter, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. If you are a walker, exposed to the elements, having sensitive teeth can be really problematic and even wrapping a scarf over the mouth only offers temporary respite before the scarf becomes damp from your breath.
Not only is this an uncomfortable problem, but it also likely indicates that there are issues with your teeth. It could be that there is a crack present that is exposing the nerves more, or that the enamel on your teeth has become eroded. In either case, this should not be ignored and should be investigated by one of our Staines dentists. You may require a filling perhaps, or even the fitting of porcelain teeth veneers to protect the front of your teeth and stop the discomfort of sensitivity.
Of course, you should also brush and floss your teeth well throughout the winter months, and also not be put off attending your check up appointments. These are the bedrock of good oral health care and we strongly advise all of our patients to attend both these and dental hygienist appointments at six monthly intervals, or more often if advised. If you don’t have an appointment booked with us, why not contact us today to arrange one? You can do this by calling the Clarence Dental Practice on 01784 463 695 - our team is on hand to help.
Address: 21a Clarence Street, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4SU
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