How To Keep Your Teeth Looking and Feeling Great This Winter
Winter is just around the corner and there is certainly a chill in the air. Not only are the days and nights getting colder, but the evenings are getting darker earlier too, so it’s the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and stay in for the evenings, cuddled up on the sofa with a good film. Of course, this often means mugs of hot chocolate and snacks in front of the tv, which are not great when it comes to our oral health.
Winter is also the time of year when germs seem to appear more frequently, with colds and flu doing the rounds – this is where the health of our teeth can really seem to suffer. Here are just a few tips that will help to keep your teeth looking and feeling great this winter in order to combat everything that the season throws at you.
Regular check-ups
When it comes to keeping your teeth feeling and looking great, one of the most important things that you can do is make sure that you have regular dental check-ups. You might also like to book an appointment with the hygienist at your dental surgery to make sure that you are looking after your teeth properly. A good dental surgery like Bosden Farm Dental will be happy to talk you through your oral hygiene routine, even checking your brushing technique, and point out any improvements you could make.
Watch your sugar intake
The winter season is full of sugary treats; hot drinks, festive foods and, of course, chocolate! Whilst it is fine to indulge in these things, it is important to make sure that you limit your intake of sugar and make sure that you brush your teeth after you have indulged to minimise the amount of sugar left in your mouth that can attack your tooth enamel.
Protect against sensitivity
The cold weather and stronger winds of the winter months can make teeth feel more sensitive. Often, brushing them with a brand of toothpaste that has been specially formulated for sensitive teeth can help to solve this issue, as these block the sensations that can make your mouth feel uncomfortable. If, however, using a sensitive toothpaste does not help to eradicate the pain, then there might be an underlying dental issue and it can be a good idea to make an appointment to have your teeth looked at by a dental professional.
Stay hydrated
You might think that this is advice more appropriate for the hot summer months but it is just as important in the winter. When the weather is colder it is far more likely that you will increase the number of hot drinks that you consume. Hot chocolate is obviously high in sugar whilst tea and coffee can stain your teeth when consumed in larger amounts. Ensuring that you keep up your water intake will help to rinse sugar and any acid off your teeth by helping keep saliva flowing which will help to protect your teeth.
Replace your toothbrush
We have already mentioned the fact that during the winter months you are more likely to succumb to a cold, or worse the flu. Unfortunately, even if you clean your toothbrush well there is a chance it will hoard bacteria from any illness that you have had. Whilst it is generally recommended to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, if you have been ill then it can be a good time to replace it with a fresh one to make sure you don’t re-infect yourself.
Keeping in mind these tips throughout the winter months may help you to greet spring with a whiter and healthier smile.