Autumn is underway, and it’s a great time of year. But it also means cold weather is incoming, so you may put off things like dentist visits. Here are some tips to care for your teeth over winter.
Book an Early Dental Check
Depending on where you live, autumn and winter weather can be harsh. So harsh that you might not want to or even be able to leave your home. Therefore, winter appointments could be missed. So it’s essential you book dental appointments with your local office, such as Dental Care of Jacksonhole, earlier than usual. Almost no dentist will turn you away. And you can get some professional advice and treatments to help get you through the worst of the winter.
Keep Your Gums Healthy
Winter and autumn are known for cold and flu outbreaks. Unfortunately, the same germs and bacteria that cause these problems can also cause gum infections or gingivitis. There are different stages of gum diseases. You should look for the first signs of these kinds of problems, such as redness and swelling. Keeping your hands and fingers out of your mouth can help keep gum infections from happening. Antibacterial mouthwash like Listerine is also a huge help.
Care for Your Teeth Over Winter with a Mouth guard
Mouth guards keep your teeth from getting hurt when doing various activities that keep you on the move. You can buy a mouth guard at a store or have one made by your dentist to fit your mouth perfectly. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a night guard to stop you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. Using a mouth guard can protect your teeth and gums from the cold weather by acting as a shield and can reduce the need to see your dentist over the winter.
Refine Your Brushing Technique
Flossing and brushing your teeth are essential for overall dental health. But there are some things you need to know if you want to brush your teeth well. If you use a toothbrush with hard bristles to clean your teeth, you could hurt the enamel layer and lose teeth. Oral B electric toothbrushes are excellent for getting hard-to-reach areas and cleaning your gums effectively. You should also remember not to over brush, which is a leading cause of gum recession.
Drink Plenty of Water
During the winter, people usually drink less water than they do in the summer. This can cause dehydration, which can stop your mouth from making saliva. Saliva does a lot of things, but one of the most important ones is to wash away food particles and fight bacteria. So, having less saliva makes it easy for bacteria that cause dental diseases to grow. Your teeth and gums will stay healthy if you drink enough water and stay away from diuretic drinks like tea and coffee.
Summary
It’s essential to provide more care for your teeth over winter to avoid having to venture out in the cold. Get a dental check early, try out a mouth guard and keep your mouth well hydrated.
