How Sea­son­al Changes in the UK Affect Oral Health: Tips for Sum­mer to Win­ter Smile Care

Being aware of how the seasons might impact your oral health will allow you to be ready for anything. It can also help to explain why certain things keep happening, and once you know why it’s happening, you can take steps to prevent it.

For example, some people struggle with bad breath more in the summer and don’t know why. Dehydration from their antihistamines could be to blame. Likewise, patients are more likely to experience sensitive teeth when the weather gets colder, and this is simply because cold wind triggers their sensitivity.

If you’re curious about how you can care for your teeth all year round, read on to learn more about seasonal changes to oral health and what you can do to tackle these common issues.

Oral care in summer

During the summer months, there are a few things you need to watch out for, including:

• Dehydration from hot weather can leave your mouth dry, which creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive in the mouth, leading to gum disease. To counter this, make sure you increase water intake during the summer months, and add an electrolyte if you are doing any sports that lead you to sweat.

• During the summer months, you might be more likely to indulge in alcohol, particularly while you’re on holiday. Be aware of the impact on your oral health and make sure you pair every alcohol drink with a glass of water. You should also make sure you are brushing your teeth as usual.

• Holidays can interrupt routines and make us more likely to skip brushing. This is fairly common when we are travelling, particularly if you’ll be crossing time zones. By travelling with an oral care kit, you can brush your teeth at the usual time when you are travelling so you don’t accidentally miss a cleaning.

• Allergies can contribute to dry mouth, which is a risk factor for developing gum disease. If you suffer from allergies, be aware of how this might impact your oral health and how your chosen allergy medication impacts your mouth. If you know it causes dry mouth, it’s vital that you increase water intake.

Oral care in winter

When the weather is colder, the risks to your oral health can be completely different. Look out for the following dental health risks during the winter months:

• From Halloween to Christmas, you’ll be tempted by sweet treats. Sugar intake typically increases during the winter months, when seasonal treats are available everywhere. Try to avoid snacking on sweet treats between meals, as this will increase your risk of tooth decay.

• Cold weather can make sensitive teeth more obvious. If a cold wind hitting your teeth results in a sharp pain, it could be a sign that you need to switch to a sensitive toothpaste to help remineralise your teeth and protect against painful sensitivity.

• Seasonal bugs and illnesses can make you more lax with your oral care routine. Even if you are sick, make sure that you are brushing your teeth twice a day. This can help to prevent bacteria in your mouth from spreading, as it could contribute to more severe chest infections.

• Indoor central heating can also contribute to dehydration. Make sure you’re drinking enough water all year round, as this will ensure you have enough saliva to keep the bacteria in your mouth at bay.

Final thoughts on seasonal oral care

In order to protect your oral health, the best thing you can do is make sure you are visiting the dentist at least twice a year. This will allow you to ask questions about seasonal changes to your oral health and get expert advice and support on how you can protect your teeth all year round.

This proactive approach will ensure that no seasonal changes to your oral health are missed, and you’ll have the best possible chance of taking good care of your teeth, no matter what season we are in.