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Along with skin changes during winter, oral health can also be affected when the weather is cooler. However, people with sensitive teeth and a dry mouth often become acutely aware that a lowered temperature, as well as a decrease in moisture in the air can cause an increase in sensitivity.

There’s not much we can do about the seasons, but there are some things we can try to reduce the likelihood of mouth discomfort when the temperature drops.

Drink frequently to stay hydrated

During winter when colds and the flu peak, and blocked noses are a common symptom, mouth breathing speeds up dehydration.  It’s important to stay well hydrated at any time, but particularly when our immune system is working overtime and fighting off or dealing with an infection.  Keeping the lips and mucous membranes in the mouth moist, helps to support recovery, prevent tissues from becoming dehydrated and teeth from becoming sensitive. Drinking sips of water frequently also helps to maintain saliva flow which is protective against developing tooth decay.

Pop on lip balm to moisturise your lips

Use a lip balm, preferably with a SPF (sun protection factor) to protect your lips from drying and chapping.   If you’re prone to cold sores, keeping your lips hydrated will help to reduce the risk of activating the herpes virus and a cold sore developing. Care well for the delicate skin on your lips and avoid them becoming rough and dry.  Lock the moisture in and keep lip balm close and handy in your desk, pocket or bag.

Care well for your teeth and gums

If your immunity is lowered because of having a cold or the flu, your oral hygiene will need special attention.  Bacteria quickly multiply in the warm, moist area of the mouth, and feed on food particles left on the teeth and gums. Frequent snacking and winter ‘comfort eating’ often leads to changes in the acid level of the mouth which increases the risk of decay.

Remember to floss and brush

At the end of a long day when your warm bed is calling you, it may be tempting to rush your flossing and brushing routine. But it’s worth investing just a couple of minutes into your oral hygiene habits, especially before going to bed when saliva flow slows and there’s less protective ‘buffering’ on the teeth.  Use a timer if you’re prone to rushing- around two minutes is the ideal brushing time.

Take care of sensitive teeth

Use a desensitising toothpaste if you’re prone to sensitive teeth.  These contain compounds which help to cover and heal the patches on the teeth where the protective outer layer has worn away, or is missing. Follow your dentist’s advice about what product is right for you.

Top tips for your mouth during the cold weather

1. Replace your toothbrush regularly and also when you’ve recovered from a cold or the flu.
2. Eat a healthy diet which will support your immune system and reduce your risk of becoming sick.
3. Keep well hydrated and drink plenty of water. Swish your mouth with water after drinking tea, coffee and red wine to avoid your teeth becoming stained.
4. Consider installing a humidifier in your home or office to add extra moisture when it’s cold and dry.
5. Visit your dentist regularly –book an appointment today for a dental check.

 

Quite a few of us think that everyday vitamin and mineral supplements only do good for our health and wellbeing. Around 2/3 of Australians take dietary supplements with this understanding.  Though it’s worth remembering that all drugs, including medications and nutritional supplements, carry a possible risk of side effects. Commonly, the more supplements taken, the higher the risk.

It’s also important to weigh up the benefits against the risk of harm in taking any substance which can cause changes in how the body works.

What can be the adverse effects of supplements on your teeth?

In relation to oral health, side effects from certain supplements can increase the risk of infection, bleeding and inflammation (swelling) and even slow down healing. Supplements may also interact with other medications being taken and enhance, or reduce, their effectiveness.

In the experience of pharmacy experts, drug interactions are often under-identified and the general public are largely unaware of adverse health effects of taking supplements.

It’s important to tell your dentist if you are taking any medication, including vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements. So at your dental appointments, bring a list of any medications, including supplements, that you’re taking. Bring the actual bottle/s or container/s, otherwise, a clear photo so your dentist can check if they’re safe to take and offer you professional guidance.

There are well-known risks of some of the popular ingredients in many nutritional supplements:

• Tooth (and skin) staining from iron supplements and some ingredients in herbal teas.
• Many herbal supplements also contain aspirin which can affect the clotting mechanism of blood. This means there is an increased risk of bleeding for any dental procedure.
• Some herbal ingredients contribute to the risk of developing a dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of cavities.
• Many herbal supplements are contained in a lolly or ‘gummy’ form. These contain sugar which increases the risk of decay.
• Echinacea increases the risk of infection because it promotes inflammation which impacts healing.
• Turmeric, although popular, increases the risk of bleeding.

Is there other possible harm in taking supplements?

Supplements are still drugs, even though they may not be marketed as such. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) inspects products and ensures they comply with relevant codes, though problems arise when products don’t contain what is stated and when they are in inaccurate concentrations.

Although the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, the complimentary medicine industry is not.

Even though supplements are often marketed as being ‘natural’ this is not a guarantee that they are harmless. It’s still possible to be allergic to ingredients and have an adverse reaction to them. It can be difficult to identify the exact cause of a reaction because many supplements are a combination of ingredients, at varying concentrations and not always included in the product information.

There can also be a cost to the individual in delaying more effective treatment, in the hope that taking a supplement will treat a condition.

Speak with your dentist and healthcare providers to let them know of any  medications and supplements you are taking. Book an appointment today to see your dentist.

 

We know the arrival of a lost tooth can happen quickly, so we wanted to ensure you have easy access to everything you need for a visit from the tooth fairy. So please find below your free, printable downloads of tooth fairy-related products by clicking on the images. We have worked closely with the tooth fairy to develop a perfect tooth-sized envelope and a letter and certificate from the tooth fairy.

Everything you need to know about the tooth fairy

Most of us had a few visits from the tooth fairy when we were small. Their visit when we were sleeping was usually acknowledged by a coin left in exchange for the lost tooth. As adults, the idea of losing a tooth is not such a joyful idea, though as children, losing baby teeth is one of those developmental stages which can be something to celebrate.

In the Middle Ages, superstitions were associated around baby teeth and their correct disposal so the child could be protected from witches in the afterlife. The modern interpretation is a little less scary and has been traced to a 1908 Chicago newspaper article relating to household hints. This offered guidance to mothers on the ideal way to encourage a ‘refractory child’ to allow a loose tooth to be removed.

Most countries and ethnicities have their own version of how the tooth fairy tradition evolved, though many of us have an image of the tooth fairy being female, pixie like and waving a magic wand. Of course, she has a radiant smile and if we were to meet her, would be the perfect source of information about baby teeth and how to care for them.

5 fun facts about the tooth fairy

1. In Japan, the tradition is for lost upper teeth to be thrown in a straight line to the ground and lower teeth straight up to the air. This is thought to influence how straight the adult teeth will grow.
2. Many Latin and European countries have a tooth mouse, rather than a tooth fairy.
3. In parts of Scotland, a white fairy rat, instead of the tooth fairy, exchanges teeth for coins.
4. The Vikings considered baby teeth to bring good luck in a battle and would wear necklaces made out of baby teeth.
5. In Ireland, the tooth fairy is a leprechaun girl, sometimes called Anna Bogle. Because leprechauns are not meant to steal, she leaves a piece of gold in exchange for the child’s tooth.

Where do all those baby teeth go?

Depending on where you come from, the tooth fairy can either repurpose baby teeth or will just dispose of them – ideally, hidden in the rubbish bin so they can’t be found by small eyes. In some parts of the world, the tooth fairy has more of a recycling philosophy and uses baby teeth to build her fairy castle. Of course, she only wants white and shiny teeth so her castle shimmers brightly and it is this image which is often used to prompt children to brush their teeth.

More often than is intended, the tired tooth fairy can forget her important night time task of retrieving a baby tooth from under the child’s pillow or from a glass of water beside the bed. In this case, she needs to think very carefully about how to make plans to return on a subsequent night.

Sometimes the tooth fairy gives baby teeth to the children’s parents, to be kept safe for later reflection. A small container or ‘keepsake’ box is the ideal way to store these treasures, though can also be the cause for sadness and perhaps a few tears.

 

Click the Tooth Fairy items below to download