The winter weather is not the easiest to deal with. The risk of flu and cold runs high, while you may end up feeling the seasonal blues. The festive indulgences are not great for your digestion, and they may also add extra pounds and inches to your body. Not to mention, your oral hygiene may bear the brunt of high-sugar desserts and alcohol consumption. It is easy to miss out on your brushing and flossing routine due to late nights or sheer laziness. But you can avoid the winter dental woes by following some rules. Here is the best advice o keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest best this season.
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Go the extra mile with brushing
Brushing your teeth is the key to maintaining good oral hygiene. It becomes all the more crucial during the festive season when desserts, wines, and beer can harm your teeth. Go the extra mile with brushing and flossing, and follow the right technique for both. Rinsing your mouth with warm water after meals and snacks help remove food particles that cause cavities.
Take care of your gums
Your gums deserve as much attention as your teeth during the winter months. Since cold and flu are common during the season, the risk of gingivitis or chronic gum infections runs high as the bacteria thrive in your mouth. Pay attention to signs like inflammation or redness of gums, and get help sooner rather than later. Also, use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep gum disease at bay.
Stay regular with dental visits
Summer or winter, you must never miss out on scheduled dental check-ups at any time of the year. It is easy to skimp on them when the weather gets bad or busy amid the festivities. You can look for a reputed dental clinic nearby to save time and hassles of long commutes. Ensure that the dentist is available for emergencies as you may come across a broken tooth or sensitivity while relishing festive treats.
Drink plenty of water
Dentists recommend that you stay hydrated during the winter months, even if you feel less thirsty. Reducing water intake can cause dehydration that limits saliva production. It can affect your mental health as saliva washes away food particles from teeth and kills infection-causing bacteria. Keep up with your daily water intake to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Limit your coffee and hot chocolate consumption
While good hydration should be a priority for winter dental care, you should limit the intake of coffee and hot chocolate. Too much coffee can cause discoloration of teeth. Hot chocolate loaded with sugar can damage teeth before you know. You can switch to herbal tea instead as it is good for oral hygiene. Whichever beverage you choose, keep it unsweetened.
Winter dental care need not be a massive effort, but it is worthwhile. You can follow these simple tips to keep your teeth and gums safe. Also, make sure you do not overlook the smallest issues and seek treatment at the earliest.
Author Bio: The author is a content marketer with Submitcore whose stories appear on reputed websites. She aims to impart information about healthcare, lifestyle and parenting with her content.
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