Oral Health in The Winter: 8 Dental Problems You Can Avoid

You probably know that winter's dropping temperatures, biting wind and drier air can wreak havoc on your skin. But did you know that it can also put you at increased risk for developing common dental problems?

No matter what the weather, between 11.5% and 33.5% of people suffer from conditions like sensitive teeth.¹ Add in the harsh cold air and extremely low temperatures, and your tooth sensitivity can become even more uncomfortable for you. What's more, there are several other dental conditions that may pop up during the blustery winter months.

Being aware of the winter oral health woes below — along with practicing good oral hygiene — may help you keep your mouth healthy throughout the winter season and all year long.

1. Cold Sores

These small blisters around your mouth and lips are caused by a virus, but their appearance can be triggered by seasonal ailments such as fever and colds, as well as cold weather itself.²

How to prevent cold sores

• To help minimize cold sore breakouts in winter weather, keep your lips and the area around your mouth moisturized and use lip balm with sunscreen.³
• Take steps to minimize the introduction of bacteria and viruses to your body — wash your hands often,⁴ try to avoid touching your mouth² and don't share items like eating utensils and towels with anyone who might have a cold sore.³
• If you feel a cold sore coming on, treat it as soon as possible with over-the-counter medications or talk with your doctor or dentist about treatment options.

When to see a dentist about cold sores

If your cold sores don't go away after one to two weeks, see your dentist. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral cream, oral medication or injectable medication for you to take that will help get rid of your cold sores.³

2. Canker Sores

Canker sores are mouth ulcers that tend to peak during winter months due to the harsh dry air that makes soft mouth tissues more prone to injury and infections.⁵ This is because saliva is needed to rid the mouth of bacteria and food particles that can cause infections, and the dry air leads to reduced saliva in the mouth. Also, the winter season compromises our immune system and leaves us more vulnerable to infections in the mouth, like canker sores.⁵

How to prevent canker sores

• Canker sores can be aggravated even more by exposure to spicy and acidic foods, so avoiding them during the season is a good idea if you develop any sores.⁶
• Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt may help ease painful symptoms.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. This will be easier on the tissues of your mouth so you will avoid injuring them and causing ulcers.⁵

When to see a dentist about canker sores

If your canker sores don't start to heal on their own and are causing you extreme discomfort, see your dentist. The doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids to help ease your pain and inflammation.⁵

3. Chapped Lips

It's hard to avoid exposing your mouth to wind, cold and sun while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities in winter, but cooler weather can quickly dry the thin skin on your lips.

How to prevent chapped lips

• Soothe dry, cracked lips by applying a bit of petroleum jelly.
• Protect your dry lips from further damage by frequently applying a lip balm containing sunscreen.⁷
• Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, which helps prevent dry skin and chapped lips.⁸
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air around you.⁸

When to see a dentist about chapped lips

If your chapped lips are bleeding and don't heal on their own after using lip balm, see your dentist. You could be dealing with a bacterial infection or a cold sore that your dentist can recommend an antiviral treatment for.⁸

4. Dry Mouth

Less moisture in the air can lead to less saliva production, which can leave your mouth feeling dry. If you actually have an oral health issue known as dry mouth, winter's dryness can make it worse.⁹

How to prevent dry mouth

• Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated, help your body produce saliva and help wash away food particles, reducing bacteria in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay.¹⁰
• Try placing a humidifier in your home to increase moisture in the air, which helps with winter dry mouth.¹¹
• Suck on sugar-free hard candies during the day.¹²
• Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages that can be drying to your mouth.¹²
• Use a saliva substitute containing carboxymethylcellulose, xylitol or hydroxyethyl cellulose. These are available over the counter.¹¹
• Avoid breathing through your mouth.¹¹

When to see a dentist about dry mouth

If your dry mouth is making it uncomfortable when you eat or swallow and no over-the-counter remedies seem to help, see your dentist. Your doctor can give you medication to stimulate your saliva production.¹¹

5. Tooth Sensitivity

Does it feel like you have a toothache when it's cold? If your teeth hurt with cold air, it could be because your tooth enamel isn't providing you with the needed protection against the chilly weather that it should or your gums have receded and exposed the sensitive roots of your teeth.¹³

Colder temperatures can increase tooth sensitivity to cold and heat — not just from food and beverages. Even cold air can cause tooth pain especially for those with sensitive teeth.²

How to prevent tooth sensitivity

• Use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth to reduce your sensitivity. These types of toothpaste contain ingredients like fluoride, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol that help relieve sensitivity.¹³
• Avoid acidic beverages and foods that are hard on your tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Acids can irritate the dentin and pulp layers of your teeth, causing sensitivity.¹³
• Don't brush your teeth too hard and use a soft-bristled toothbrush which is easier on your teeth and won't irritate them.¹³

When to see a dentist about tooth sensitivity

If your tooth sensitivity is chronic, see your dentist. Your dentist can apply silver diamine fluoride during your twice-yearly exam or seal your teeth to help decrease your sensitivity.¹³ The doctor can also examine your teeth for signs of damage and gum recession that may need to be repaired.

6. Gum Infection

Winter colds and flu can weaken your immune system as it works to fight off those illnesses.¹⁴ That leaves the door open for bacteria in your gums to grow almost unchecked, sometimes leading to gum infection and inflammation.¹⁵

How to prevent gum infections

Avoid touching your face and mouth to help prevent the spread of bacteria to your gums.¹⁶ Additionally, keep up good dental care at home, which is important to help fight off the problem.

When to see a dentist about gum infections

If your gums are swollen, bleeding or painful, see your dentist. Your doctor can treat your gum infection and check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease that could be remedied by a professional dental cleaning or other dental procedure.¹⁶

7. Jaw Pain

Cold weather can cause your joints and muscles to tighten up — and that includes the ones in your jaw area. If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, this can make the problem harder to manage.⁹

How to prevent jaw pain

To improve jaw discomfort or TMJ in cold weather, keep warm and consider a scarf or other covering to help keep your jaw area, in particular, toasty.⁹

When to see a dentist about jaw pain

If your jaw pain is serious and causing you a lot of discomfort, see your dentist. This could be caused by a jawbone infection, jawbone injury or other jaw problem that your doctor can recommend treatment for.¹⁷

8. Cracked Teeth

Your teeth may become cracked over time due to normal wear and tear. They also expand and contract when exposed to hot and cool beverages and weather, which can cause cracking.¹⁸ Extreme temperatures can make these cracks worse over time, causing tooth pain and sensitivity.¹⁸

How to prevent cracked teeth

• Wear a mouthguard to prevent tooth grinding at night while you sleep, which can lead to cracked teeth.¹³
• Avoid acidic foods and beverages that can wear down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to cracking.¹³
• Sip beverages through a straw to prevent direct contact with very warm or very cool drinks that could worsen existing cracks.¹³

When to see a dentist about cracked teeth

For cracked teeth that are causing you a lot of discomfort, see your dentist. Your dentist can repair any serious cracks with a filling, inlay, onlay or a dental crown.¹³ In some cases, you may need a root canal. This is important because, over time, cracked teeth can lead to more serious issues and infections.¹⁹

More Tips for Winter Dental Care

While these steps are important all year, they can be particularly beneficial in warding off winter-time dental woes.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth daily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and after you've been sick, so you don't reinfect yourself.¹⁰
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a dental-friendly diet.
• Invest in a mouthguard.
• Keep your face and neck warm with hoods and turtlenecks.
• Avoid aggressively brushing your teeth.
• Limit the amount of sugar you're drinking (especially hot chocolate).
• Protect your gums and pay attention if inflammation occurs.
• Take supplements to support the health of your teeth and gums.
• Contact your dentist with any symptoms or concerns.

Good oral hygiene is an important step to keeping your teeth and gums healthy — and preventing other health issues — all year long and especially in the cold winter months. Keep up with your regular dental visits and contact your dentist if you experience any oral health issues, like the ones above.

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Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures, and other costs that insurance doesn’t cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the  CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.