10 Dental Care Tips During the Winter to Avoid Teeth Pain

• Don’t Over Brush – Brushing teeth too often can wear away the enamel and actually damage the surface of the tooth.
• Try Different Toothpaste – Use the toothpaste that contains fluoride or try one that is specifically formulated for sensitive teeth.
• Reduce the Amount of Acids and Sugar in Your Diet – Acids and sugar can damage the surface of your teeth and break down the delicate enamel that protects them. Your teeth are frequently under attack by acids, but the good news is this damage is constantly being reversed. Acids leech minerals from the enamel through a process called demineralization. Fortunately, the natural process of remineralization replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again – and your saliva is a key player. Saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates to help repair the teeth. Fluoride is another mineral that helps repair weakened enamel. However, replacing lost minerals can only do so much to prevent the effects of sugar on teeth if you eat lots of sweets and starches throughout the day.
• Use a Fluoride Mouthwash – Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride at least twice a day to rinse away debris, kill odor causing bacteria and help protect the sensitive enamel.
• Breathe in Through Your Nose – Breathing through your nose prevents the cold air from hitting your teeth while exhaling through your mouth allows the air from the lungs to keep them warm.
• Warm Beverages – Sipping on a warm beverage can keep the teeth from becoming too cold, especially if you are going to be outside for several hours at a time.
• Clean Your Toothbrush – Keeping your toothbrush clean and replacing it every few months, reduces your exposure to bacteria that could eventually lead to gingivitis and tooth decay.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and routine fluoride treatments will also help to protect your teeth throughout the winter.
• Use a Mouth Guard – Wearing a mouth guard when you are going to be outside for long periods of time will prevent you from forcing your teeth together while you work and keep them from clicking together if your teeth begin to chatter from the cold.
• Wear a Scarf – Wearing a scarf will keep your lower jaw and neck warm and can also be moved to cover your mouth if necessary.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 12/6/2015 https://www.dmsmiles.com/blog/10-dental-care-tips-winter-to-avoid-teeth-pain. These are a few good tips from a fellow renowned dentist Steffany Mohan, DDS. Dr. Steffany Mohan is the Owner of Plaza Dental Group.