Dental Tips For The Winter Season

The winter is a time when ailments tend to visit us, with colds and the flu often a frequent issue, as the weather changes and our body is more susceptible to bugs and viruses. We are still a long way off the winter here in Australia, but here are some great oral hygiene tips to help prevent the onset of colds and the flu when the temperatures drop.

•     Stay Hydrated - We don’t always drink enough water in the cold season and this could have a negative impact on our health. If you do go down with a cold, or worse, the flu, then it is critical that you stay hydrated, so get into a routine that includes drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, after lunch, in the afternoon, and during the evening.

•     Reduce Your Sugar Intake - This is something you should try to do all year round, and especially in the colder months, as sugar is the major cause of tooth decay, and if you do ingest anything with high sugar content, always brush and floss directly after. You can also rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash, which will help to remove sugar from your teeth enamel.

•     Professional Teeth Cleaning - This is always a good idea, and something the dentist would recommend prior to teeth whitening in Sydney, which is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. Having your teeth professionally cleaned is recommended prior to laser teeth whitening treatment, but the treatment can be carried out at any time. Some people have their teeth professionally cleaned every year, which reduces the risk of tooth decay, and with proper brushing and flossing every day, you are minimising the risk of cavities.

•     Take Vitamin Supplements - This can really help your body deal with the climate change, and that could be enough to protect you against common winter bugs. Start at the end of the summer and if you feel the benefits, why not continue taking the supplements all year?

•     Cold Sores - These can suddenly erupt at any time, but are more likely to occur in the colder months of the year. In the event you have a cold sore, resist the temptation to pick it, and apply some cold sore ointment, which will promote the natural healing process.

•      Use Lip Balm - The cold wind can easily cause chapped lips and the best form of protection is to apply lip balm as the cold weather arrives. Chapped lips can be extremely painful and rather than wait for it to happen, start protecting your lips with balm before the cold weather arrives. There are articles available online that share tips on how best to treat chapped lips.

The cold winter months are a time when we can suffer from colds and flu, and by taking the above advice, you are reducing the risk of catching a common cold. It is important to have a good oral hygiene routine, not just in the winter, but all year round, and you should schedule an oral examination by your dentist at least once a year.

This article is published in partnership with Mediabuzzer