Chances are when you’re flying down a ski mountain or playing ice hockey the thought of oral care is your last priority.
Preventing oral health issues is actually an important year-round concept especially during the colder months. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause pain and sensitivity to your teeth. This discomfort can be exacerbated if you have existing dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, enamel erosion or gum disease.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Teeth
Cold weather dental protection is crucial to your health. Here’s why:
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity during the winter is a common condition, especially if you have exposed tooth roots or enamel erosion. If the inner dentine of the tooth is exposed, fluctuation in temperatures can cause discomfort and sudden pain.
- Exacerbated Existing Conditions: Winter weather can exacerbate the symptoms of existing dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. As the cold temperatures constrict the blood vessels in your teeth and gums, it heightens the pain and sensitivity experienced with dental issues.
- Dry Mouth: The cold weather creates dryness in the air, which can reduce saliva production leading to an oral condition known as dry mouth. Without regular saliva to wash away harmful bacteria, cavities can form, and tooth decay can develop.
- Jaw and Muscle Pain: Cold temperatures can cause tension within jaw muscles and intensify the pain of TMJ disorders. Your body instinctively clenches your jaw and causes your teeth to chatter when you are cold. This can lead to pressure between the teeth and jaw, causing fractures, chipping and excruciating pain.
- Gum Issues: Gum issues develop from injuries in your mouth or from poor oral hygiene. Bleeding, pain, and swelling can be the first signs of an infectiondue to a weakened immune system, which is common during flu season.
- Dental Emergencies: It’s important to prioritize dental emergencies in the winter months. Knocked-out teeth, fractures and chips, temporomandibular joint dislocation and cuts can all be considered dental emergencies in the winter.
How Winter Sports Contribute to Dental Issues
- Dietary Changes: If you participate in winter sports often, you likely consume more high-sugar snacks and energy drinks, particularly when playing on a sports team. Consuming energy drinks, convenience snacks, and processed food can expose your teeth and gums to harmful acids such as citric acid, phosphoric acid and carbonic acid. These acids damage your enamel leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dehydration: There is a connection between dehydration and oral health since dry mouth helps develop harmful bacteria. Playing sports in the wintertime can cause dehydration due to the tendency to neglect drinking water in cold temperatures and spending excessive time in warm, humid rooms.
- Improper Protective Gear: There are significant risks with not wearing appropriate mouthguards or headgear. Winter sports require helmets, mouthguards and other face shields to absorb the impact from falls, direct hits and contact with hard snow or ice.
Dental Protection Strategies in Cold Weather
| Strategy | Description | Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use Customized Mouthguards | Invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard to absorb impact during contact sports, ensuring maximum protection. | Do get a mouthguard fitted by a dentist. | Don’t use generic, ill-fitting mouthguards. |
| Apply Lip Balm Regularly | Use a high-quality lip balm with SPF to prevent cracking and dryness from cold air during outdoor activities. | Do apply before and after doing outdoor sports. | Don’t forget to reapply frequently. |
| Stay Hydrated | Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent dryness and reduces the risk of tooth decay. | Do carry a bottle of water during activities. | Don’t rely on sugary sports drinks. |
| Limit Sugary Snacks | Avoid consuming sugary snacks or drinks during winter sports as they can increase the risk of cavities. | Do opt for healthy snacks like fruit or nuts. | Don’t snack on candy or energy bars frequently. |
| Practice Good Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss regularly, especially after consuming snacks during sports events to maintain oral health. | Do brush twice a day and floss daily. | Don’t skip brushing after eating during events. |
| Use Fluoride Rinse | Incorporate a fluoride mouth rinse into your routine to strengthen enamel and protect against cold weather effects. | Do use fluoride rinse daily. | Don’t use mouthwash that contains alcohol as it can dry out your mouth. |
| Wear Protective Gear | When applicable, wear protective headgear that includes a faceguard to minimize the risk of dental injuries. | Do ensure your headgear fits properly. | Don’t wear loose or damaged protective gear. |
| Regular Dental Check-ups | Schedule dental check-ups before and after the winter season to ensure your teeth are in good health. | Do visit your dentist at least twice a year. | Don’t wait for problems to arise before seeing a dentist. |
| Avoid Hard Ice or Snow | Refrain from biting into hard ice or snow during sports to prevent chipping or cracking teeth. | Do chew soft foods instead of ice. | Don’t bite hard objects or ice cubes. |
| Educate Teammates | Share knowledge with teammates about dental care and the importance of protecting oral health during winter sports. | Do organize a brief session on oral health. | Don’t assume everyone knows the risk. |
When to See a Dentist: Red Flags for Winter Sports Enthusiasts
- Persistent Sensitivity
- Visible Cracks or Chips
- Pain During or After Cold Exposure
- Swelling or Inflammation
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Protect Your Smile Throughout the Winter Season– Schedule a Dental Check-Up Today!
At the Princeview Dental Group we understand the importance of dental checkups during the winter months, especially if you play winter sports. We provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care in a friendly and safe environment for our existing and new patients. Call us at (416) 231-4562 or fill out our form here to book a consultation with our team of dental professionals.
