It’s cold outside. Are you someone that enjoys the cold weather and enjoys winter outdoor activities? Or would you rather be inside where it’s warm? Whether you’re going outside for a quick minute or spending an extended period of time, the cold weather during the winter months can have an impact on your oral health. Here are some healthy mouth tips to keep you smiling all winter long.

Chapped lips can occur year-long, but exposing your lips to the wind and cold can quickly dry them out. Inside heat can also remove moisture from the air. Wear a moisturizing lip balm (with SPF) daily to protect your lips. Reapply it often. Already have chapped lips? Petroleum jelly locks in moisture and is an inexpensive way to keep your lips hydrated.

Dry Mouth can occur in the winter months as a result of the dry air too.  Keep your body well-hydrated to help alleviate dry mouth due to the weather. When you’re properly hydrated, you produce more saliva which keeps your mouth moist and also helps protect your teeth against cavities. Saliva helps neutralize acids in your mouth so they don’t remain to cause tooth damage or decay.

Cold sensitivity in your mouth is often heightened during winter since your teeth can expand and contract as the temperature changes. Pain when biting into cold foods, drinking cold beverages or when brushing your teeth can mean your tooth enamel is thinning. Ask your dentist what they would recommend for sensitive teeth. There are desensitizing toothpastes available with ingredients to help protect the tooth’s enamel from extreme temperatures or the coldest beverages.

Winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding and sledding are favorite cold-weather activities. Participating can be fun, but accidents do occur and may include breaking or losing a tooth. A mouthguard protects the teeth, lips, cheeks, gums and jaw from injury that could cause permanent damage. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency may help you save a tooth, as well as avoid future issues and costs stemming from a winter injury.

Visit the dentist to protect your oral health this winter. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned and your dentist will look for any oral health issues. Additionally, for your overall health, your dentist is able to detect more than 120 diseases during the exam.

Follow the above tips and enjoy the cold winter in as many ways as you can.