The cold, dry winter months in Winnipeg can wreak havoc on your dental health. Fortunately, with some preventive measures and vigilance, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy all season long. Follow these tips from Winnipeg dentists to protect your smile during our city's infamous winters.

Guard Against Dry Mouth
Heating systems blast dry air that can leave your mouth parched, allowing bacteria to thrive. Be vigilant about drinking water and limiting diuretics like coffee. Chew xylitol gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva flow. Use a humidifier at home and at work to add moisture to the air. Before bed, apply a thick lip balm or petroleum jelly to seal in moisture overnight. See your dentist if persistent dry mouth causes bad breath, sore gums, or increased cavities.

Brush and Floss Properly
Don’t let rushed, lazy oral hygiene be your downfall. Take full 2 minutes to brush thoroughly twice a day and floss at least once daily. Use proper technique to remove plaque from tooth surfaces, gumlines, and between teeth where cavities start. Replace soft toothbrush bristles every 3 months or when they look frayed. Your Winnipeg dentist can demonstrate effective brushing and flossing methods.

Watch What You Eat and Drink
Sugary and starchy treats like candy, cookies, crackers, and chips wreak havoc in the winter. The bacteria feed on carbohydrates and produce acids that attack enamel. Rinse with water after consuming treats and wait 30 minutes before brushing. Limit snacking and constant sipping on sugary drinks. Drink plenty of water instead.

Whitening Warning
Your smile may appear more yellow in winter months when your skin loses melanin and appears lighter. Avoid extreme teeth whitening that can make teeth painfully sensitive in cold weather. Use gentler over-the-counter whitening strips or get custom trays from your dentist instead of powerful in-office treatments.

Beware Cold Sensitivity
Rapid temperature changes from warm indoors to freezing outdoors can trigger teeth sensitivity and pain. Cavities, worn enamel, and exposed roots increase your risk of sensitivity. For temporary relief, try desensitizing toothpaste. For long-term solutions, your dentist can seal problem areas, perform root canals on inflamed nerves, or apply restorations.

Protect Your Lips
Exposure to sun, wind, cold, and dry indoor air causes chapped, cracked lips leaving you prone to cold sores. Apply balm with SPF 30 before going outside. Reapply lip balm frequently to shield lips from winter damage. Drink plenty of water and exfoliate dead skin cells weekly. See your dentist promptly about persistently cracked, swollen, blistered, or ulcerated lips which could indicate a serious condition.

Consider Sports Guards
Winter sports like hockey, snowboarding, and skiing risk dental trauma. Get custom mouth guards to protect your teeth from impact and prevent costly dental bills. Your Winnipeg dentist takes exact impressions of your teeth to fabricate durable guards that allow clear speech and breathing. Wear helmets and other protective gear too.

Quit Smoking
Avoid smoking cigarettes or marijuana in winter when the drying smoke compounds already parched conditions. The chemicals restrict blood flow, increasing your risk of frostbite, decay, and gum disease. Ask your dentist about quitting options. The health of your teeth along with your lungs will thank you.

Beware TMJ Flare-ups
The cold causes jaw muscles and joints to tighten and contract. Those with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) are prone to flare-ups in winter marked by pain, clicking, popping, and restricted motion. Stress from the hectic holiday season can worsen TMJ too. Ask your dentist about night guards, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxers to relieve symptoms. Gentle jaw stretches and warm compresses also help.

Keep Toddlers’ Teeth Clean
Cold and flu season runs rampant in daycares and schools. Double down on your toddler’s oral hygiene to keep germs at bay. Help them brush twice and floss once daily. Teach kids to cough/sneeze into their elbow and wash hands frequently. Put a dab of fluoride toothpaste on their brush in the amount of a grain of rice until age 3. Boost immune systems with vitamin C and nutritious foods.

Seniors Need Extra Care
Older adults often take medications that cause dry mouth, reducing their ability to fight bacteria and decay. Make sure elderly parents and relatives brush thoroughly twice a day with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Remind them to floss, drink water, and avoid sweets. Watch for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during your visits. Help or arrange transportation to dental visits.

Adjust Your Routine When Traveling
Don’t neglect your oral health when traveling over the holidays. Bringtoothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash in your carry-on luggage. Request a humidifier in your hotel room. Drink bottled water and limit sugar/acidity. Rinse with water or chew gum after meals. Ask your dentist for disposable toothbrush, mini toothpaste, and floss picks to keep in your purse or pocket.

Check Up on Dental Coverage
Take stock of your dental insurance before the new year. Review what’s covered, deductibles, co-pays, and annual maximums. Make any needed changes during open enrollment. Ask your dentist to submit pre-authorizations for big treatments planned in the coming year. Fund certain procedures like teeth whitening with a Flex Spending Account.

See Your Winnipeg Dentist Regularly
Stay on top of your oral health by seeing dentists in Winnipeg every 6 months for cleanings and checkups – don’t skip just because it’s cold outside! Your dentist can catch issues early before they become problematic and expensive. Follow these tips for a healthy, brilliant smile that withstands even a harsh Winnipeg winter.

Website: https://allseasonsdentalclinic.com/