How Does the Fall Weather Impact Your Oral Health?
Autumn is a welcome reprieve after the heat of the summer; the sunny mild days and chilly nights are inviting. Fall weather has an impact on your health and teeth, in ways you might not think about. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, warm apple cider and all the holiday goodies can wreak havoc on your teeth.
Some people say that the fall weather affects their teeth, skin, bones, and their hair differently than any other time of the year. With cooler temperatures, holidays, and dietary changes, it’s common to notice differences in your mouth and teeth in the fall.
Cold Weather and Sensitive Teeth
The cold fall weather can increase tooth sensitivity. Have you ever taken a big deep breath in the cold weather and had your teeth zing? If you have teeth sensitivity to cold or heat for several days, make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS. Sometimes sensitivity to cold could be a cavity, a tooth abscess or damage to your dental nerve and prompt treatment will keep this problem from getting worse.
Comfort Foods
Nothing goes better with cold weather than homemade cookies, cinnamon breads, and pumpkin spice lattes or hot apple cider, all of which contain lots of sugar or other sweeteners. The carbs and sweets can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth if you snack throughout the day. This will eventually weaken your tooth enamel.
Sipping on warm drinks every day can also weaken your tooth enamel and contribute to oral cavities. Acidic drinks, such as mulled apple cider or coffee can cause long-term tooth erosion.
Shorter Days Means More Time Hunkered Down Indoors
When the sun goes down at 5:00 p.m., we tend to hunker down and watch TV or binge-watch our favorite series. Watching a little TV is not detrimental to your teeth, but if watching TV means eating carb-loaded snacks with sweetened drinks, which can be a bad habit for your oral health.
We Drink Less Water in the Cold Weather Months
Most people drink less water when the weather gets cooler. Water is essential for healthy hair, skin, and teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) cited 4 important reasons why water is good for your teeth.
- Fluoridated water strengthens your teeth
- Water cleans your mouth and washes away acids and food residue
- Drinking water fights dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay
- Water is a calorie-free beverage
Good Oral Health Habits Will Help Prevent Dental Problems
You can protect your teeth in the fall and all year round with a good prevention plan.
- You should be brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and with fluoride toothpaste. This will help remineralize your tooth enamel, strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant against cavities.
- Flossing after you brush will remove debris that your toothbrush doesn’t reach. This is essential at least once a day, preferably at bedtime.
Make An Appointment to See Dr. Evanson
Preventative care and six-month checkups are some of the best ways to prevent dental problems. If the fall weather has had an impact on your teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson to see if your tooth sensitivity is more than the cold fall weather. Call our office at 720-409-0008 or contact us online.
Located at 17167 E. Cedar Gulch Parkway #202 in Parker, Colorado, Dr. Evanson’s office is also conveniently accessible to the communities of Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Castle Rock and Lone Tree.
Enjoy this glorious fall weather and all the special events of this special season! You can do that and protect your teeth in the process!
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