When the weather gets cold, your mouth and lips become susceptible to various ailments. You want to enjoy the winter fun, but you need to protect your mouth. Here are some complaints that are common during winter months and what you can do to increase your well-being.
Chapped Lips
Exposure to the cold, wind and sun creates dry lips. The skin on the lips is delicate and easily damaged so it is important that you protect them. Wear lip balm every day that contains an SPF 15. Make sure you reapply often. You also want to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If the house is dry, consider installing a humidifier.
Canker Sores
Winter weather can make canker sores more prevalent. Foods high in acid and spice can bring on canker sores as well. If they cause problems, try swishing with a mixture of water and salt to clean out the sores. There are also over-the-counter mouth rinses that can alleviate some of the pain while they heal.
Cold Sores
Spending time outdoors in the cold can make cold sores more prevalent. Hopefully, they don’t appear during holiday pictures. Make sure you use products on your skin that contain an SPF of 15 or higher. It is also important that you keep your hands clean to avoid spreading bacteria.
Another common cause of cold sores is stress, so try to find time to relax. Make sure you are getting the appropriate amount of sleep each night and eat a balanced diet.
Tooth Sensitivity
Biting into cold foods can cause your teeth pain during the winter months. Cold temperatures and the additional wind can leave your mouth feeling sorer than normal. Brush with a desensitizing toothpaste, avoid foods that trigger the pain and ensure that you are caring for your teeth properly. These steps should help to alleviate the pain.
No matter what ailments you are dealing with this winter, it is important to speak to your cosmetic dentist in Fort Lee, NJ if anything seems abnormal. Schedule an appointment to talk about any complaints that have recently occurred and let the dentist check for larger issues.
