Winter is among us! There are many ways to prepare for colder weather, such as buying sweaters and coats, making your home warm and toasty, and prepping your car’s engine. But most importantly, you should be taking care of your oral health. Maintaining a healthy mouth is something you should be thinking about all-year-long! Just as other parts of the body need special attention during the winter, you should hone in on your oral health as well. Here are five oral health tips that you can adhere to this winter.
Practice Gentle Toothbrushing
If you have sensitive teeth, have us take a look so we can offer possible treatments to reduce your discomfort. However, while at home, you should practice gently brushing your teeth, especially if they’re even more sensitive during wintertime. Consider switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles and brush gently around the gum line. Also, switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce wintertime tooth sensitivity. We recommend Sensodyne Pronamel Series or Arm and Hammer Sensitive.
Drink a Lot of Water
Warmer seasons are synonymous with drinking a lot of water. However, drinking a lot of water in the winter (and all-year-round) is just as crucial. Because homes are using more heat during the winter, developing dry mouth overnight is more likely. Therefore, drinking water will keep your mouth more hydrated so that unwanted bacteria won’t buildup and cause decay or gum disease.
Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports
If your child participates in any sports such as basketball or ice hockey, you should purchase a mouthguard. These activities increase the possibility of injuries, which could lead to a chipped tooth or one falling out altogether. A mouthguard will help prevent an unwanted visit to the dentist. However, if an emergency does occur, do not hesitate to call and have our team help.
Consistently Wash Your Hands
During the winter, we are always blowing our noses! Remember to wash your hands often to prevent germs, especially around your mouth. Clean hands can help to keep bacteria away, and they can help avoid the flu as well!
Winter is an exciting time with the holidays and winter activities that you can enjoy. Keep these oral health tips in mind so that you can continue to enjoy the wintertime.
Come to Smile Designs of Olney for All of Your Cosmetic Procedures
For your smile makeover or any other dental needs, come to Smile Designs of Olney! Book an appointment with us. Whether you want your teeth whitened, straightened, or restored altogether, we pride ourselves in quality patient care and giving you the smile makeover that you deserve. Our small, professional staff will make you feel right at home. We service the Montgomery County regions including Olney, Laytonsville, Brookville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Germantown, MD. Contact us at (301) 260-0700, visit us online, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.