3 Dental Care Tips For The Winter Season

Winter weather can be a lot of fun – without winter weather, when would you get to enjoy snowball fights or cozy nights curled up in front of the fireplace? But winter weather brings its own set of challenges, too. It's cold and flu season, which means that you have to be vigilant to avoid getting sick. The drop in temperature can also contribute to tooth sensitivity, which means that you run a greater risk of toothaches during the winter months. Take a look at a few winter mouth care tips that can decrease your chances of getting sick and relieve discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity.

Eat a Mouth-Healthy Breakfast

They don't call it the most important meal of the day for nothing. Many breakfast foods are great for your teeth. Eggs contain phosphorus, a mineral that is essential for healthy teeth. Calcium-rich yogurt, fortified cereals, and fresh fruit are also very healthy for your mouth. Having a good meal before you leave the house in the morning will help give your body the strength it will need to fight off germs you encounter during the day.

If you're dealing with sensitive teeth due to the cold, consider skipping the orange juice at breakfast time – acidic foods and beverages can soften your enamel, making it more sensitive and more susceptible to erosion.

Drink More Water

If you want to avoid acidic drinks all together, there's one beverage that will never let you down – good old water. Drinking more water is great for your mouth and teeth. It helps to rinse any sugar from the food that you've eaten off your teeth in between brushing, and it also flushes germs and bacteria out of your mouth. Finally, staying properly hydrated increases saliva production, which prevents your mouth from drying out.

Once again, what's good for your mouth is good for the rest of your body too. Upping your water intake bolsters your immune system, helping you keep those cold and flu germs at bay. Staying well-hydrated will also help you keep your energy levels up, which will help you make it through a long, cold day.

Change Your Toothbrush

You should switch to a new toothbrush every few months, so changing it with the seasons is a good way to make sure that you don't forget. If you do happen to come down with a cold or the flu, you'll need to change toothbrushes again if you want to be sure to avoid reinfecting yourself. Also, make sure that you air-dry your toothbrush after every use, as a wet toothbrush can house bacteria that will make you sick. You can sanitize your toothbrush by popping it in the microwave for a minute while damp.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity in the winter, consider switching to a softer-bristled toothbrush for the cold months of the year. A soft-bristled brush will get your teeth just as clean, but it will be a gentler experience.

Don't let illnesses or painful teeth distract you from all of the great things about the winter months. By taking good care of your mouth with these winter tips, you can avoid colds, flu, and tooth pain and just enjoy the cold weather while it lasts. For more information, contact a dentist in your area like Montillo Dental Associates Braintree.