Are you ready for 2021’s months of winter? By now, you’ve probably got your winter tires and boots by the door. Your Christmas decorations may still be up, but they’re winter decorations, so they can stay up for a while, right? So, you’re all set for winter. But what about your teeth?
Teeth? It’s true; there are some special considerations to remember regarding your teeth as you prepare to face another Calgary winter. After all, you’ll need those teeth once winter is behind us. Here’s what our dentist in NE Calgary wants you to remember until those sunny, balmy days return.
During Winter, Brush Even More Softly
One of the biggest things people need to improve when brushing their teeth is brushing too hard. Harder is not better since brushing too will gradually wear away your enamel and make your teeth even more likely to be sensitive. In winter, your teeth may be especially sensitive when exposed to cold air. Make a point to switch to a soft-bristled brush, gently brush gently (especially around your gums), and use sensitive-teeth toothpaste.
Hydrate, Hydrate, and Hydrate
Drinking lots of water during summer is important because you’ll sweat outside. Drinking lots of water is just as important in the winter because heated air indoors tends to dry your mouth — especially overnight. When your mouth is too dry, it allows more harmful bacteria to develop than usual. Drinking water will keep your mouth moist to keep those bacteria at bay. The fluoride in the water will also help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Are You Switching to Any Winter Sports?
People who might ordinarily join a basketball rec league or take up skiing and snowboarding in 2021 may be forced to make other choices due to COVID-19-related shutdowns this year. But whether it’s in winter 2021 or some other time, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from injury and damage in any contact or collision sports. The last thing you want this winter is to rush to our emergency dentist near you over a broken tooth.
Enjoy Your Hot Chocolate… Smartly
Who are we to tell you not to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate? It’s sometimes the ideal beverage for the season. Hot chocolate is also sugary enough to damage your teeth unless you brush your teeth quickly and thoroughly after indulging. Our best advice is to enjoy a sugar-free version of your hot chocolates in winter 2021. You can make it richer with milk instead of water; your teeth will benefit from the extra calcium boost.
Keep Washing Your Hands Often
People are washing their hands more often than usual this year to try and keep community transmission of the coronavirus at bay. There’s another particularly good tooth-related reason to wash your hands even more than usual in the winter months. Cold sores that develop around your mouth flare up in the winter, and they’ll be even more painful for the next few months when exposed to cold air. Washing your hands will help keep those cold sores and other nasty viruses and bugs away from you and your loved ones.
Enjoy the winter months to come. As we all navigate restrictions related to the coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, our dentist in Saddle Ridge will communicate with you about how to ensure your oral health and how to manage any necessary treatment while balancing risks of community transmission with the importance of timely treatment at our dental clinic near you.