Tooth pain is no joke. It’s uncomfortable, and can drive people crazy. Many people suffer from tooth pain, and there are a number of causes, including heightened sensitivity,tooth injury and toothdecay. Tooth pain can become unbearable during the winter months. The freezing temperatures and cold air can have a painful effect on your teeth, and cause them to become increasingly sensitive. Dentists generally advise their patients to take extra care of their teeth, especially during the winter season.
You may have to keep your eating habits in check during the winter time. Could it be the delicious glass of chocolate milk or that sumptuous slice of pound cake that is causing your tooth pain? If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you might want to take steps to avoid unnecessary pain. Are you using the right products for your oral care and are you using them properly? Can the cold weather become too much for you, causing your teeth to chatter? When was your last visit to the dentist for a check-up? These are the important questions you should be asking yourself. Yours answers will determine whether you are on the right track or not. If not, there are a number of things that you can do to manage your tooth pain.Here are 10 tips thatwill give your teeth the protection they need, and reduce the risk of uncomfortable tooth pain during the winters.
1. Avoid over-brushing your teeth – While brushing your teeth is important, brushing too often can damage the surface of the tooth and wear away the enamel. As recommended by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, it’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day, for 2-3 minutes. Also, try not to brush your teeth too hard, otherwise you can hurt them and cause bleeding gums.
2. Keep your toothbrush clean –A worn out toothbrush can end up causing you more damage than good. Throw out your old toothbrush if it has become worn or doesn’t brush your teeth as comfortably as it should.By keeping your toothbrush clean, and replacing it every few months, you’ll reduce your exposure to bacteria, and preventconditions such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
3. Try using different toothpaste – Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride or try one that is specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. When shopping for toothpaste, always look for the ADA seal. The ADA Seal is your assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
4.Use a fluoride mouthwash – It is highly recommended to rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash at least twice a day to kill odor-causing bacteria, help protect the sensitive enamel, and remove debris and build-up. This will also help to keep your breath fresh, and give your mouth a clean, pleasant taste and scent.
5.Cut back on acids and sugar in your diet – Acids and sugar can cause damage to the surface of your teeth, and destroy the delicate enamel that protects them. Teeth are frequently under attack from the acids and sugars that are found in the foods and beverages that you consume. Acids break down minerals onyour tooth’s enamel through a process called demineralization. Luckily, this damage can be reversed. Using your saliva, the natural process of remineralization, replaces those minerals and strengthens the teeth all over again. Your saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphates that help repair the teeth. Fluoride is another mineral that helps to repair a weakened enamel.You can save yourself the trouble of demineralized teeth by cutting down on the amount of sweets and starches that you eat on a day to day basis.
6. Drink warm beverages –Cold beverages can shock your teeth and cause pain. To prevent your teeth from becoming too cold, sip onwarm beverages if you are going to be outside for several hours at a time.
7.Breathe in through your nose – Breathing in through your nose is the best way to keep cold air out, and can prevent further tooth pain during the winter. We recommend breathing through your nose to prevent the cold air from hitting your teeth while exhaling through your mouth. This allows the air from the lungs to keep them warm.
8. Get regular dental check-ups – Don’t skip out on your dental visits, because they’re just as important during the winter season. Be sure to take regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and to get routine fluoride treatments to deal with any problems you may have, and to help protect your teeth throughout the winter. You can even visit a Perfect Smile Spa, or any type of dental center that offers additional services.
9. Use a mouth guard – A mouth guard is a very valuable device during the winter season. If you wear a mouth guard while you are outdoors for long periods of time, it will prevent you from clenching your teeth together while you work. It will also keep your teeth from clicking together if they chatter when you are feeling cold.
10. Wear a scarf – Your scarf is an essential part of your winter wardrobe. When heading outdoors, don’t forget to wear a scarf toprovide warmth for both your lower jaw and neck. If necessary, use your scarf to cover your mouth, to protect it from the cold and chilly air.
Follow these tips to help give you the relief you need from tooth pain during the winter season. First, take care to be gentle with your teeth and to use the products that will help you to combat sensitivity. Then, be sure to watch the foods that you eat, the beverages that you drink, and keep cold air out of your mouth by breathing in through your nose. And finally, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly, use a mouth guard and wear a scarf to prevent chattering and to keep your neck and jaw warm.