Winter brings cozy sweaters, holiday drinks, and plenty of chilly outdoor fun. It can also bring changes that can affect your kiddo’s teeth in many ways most parents do not expect. Everything from cold air to flu season to seasonal habits can all impact dental health, and understanding these changes can help keep your kiddo’s smile healthy all winter long!
Here are the most common ways chilly weather can affect your kiddo’s teeth and what parents can do to help.
Cold air can trigger tooth sensitivity
Breathing in cold air can cause a quick, sharp pain in children who have exposed enamel, existing cavities, or gum recession.
What helps:
- Encourage your child to breathe through their nose when outside (Discouraging mouth breathing also helps with overall dental health)
- Continue healthy dental hygiene habits to improve enamel
- Ask your pediatric dentist if a sensitive-tooth toothpaste is appropriate
Dry air reduces saliva
Winter air is dry, both outdoors and indoors when the heat is running. Dry air can reduce saliva production, and saliva is an important natural protector against cavities. Less saliva means a drier mouth, more plaque buildup, and a higher chance of tooth decay.
What helps:
- Keep hydrated throughout the day
- Offer water after snacks and meals
- Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air
Seasonal illnesses can impact dental health
Cold and flu season can take a toll on your teeth. From dehydration and sugary medications to vomiting and derailed routines, even a short illness can put extra stress on your kiddo’s smile.
What helps:
- Rinse after sugary medications or vomiting
- Help them brush even on sick days
- Replace toothbrush after illness
Chapped lips can lead to mouth breathing
The cold, dry winter often causes chapped lips. When kids avoid closing their lips fully because they are sore, they may begin mouth-breathing. Mouth-breathing reduces saliva production and can irritate the gums.
What helps:
- Use a child-safe lip balm regularly
- Encourage nose breathing
- Keep hydration consistent
As usual, small daily habits can make a big difference.
If your child has ongoing sensitivity or you notice changes in their teeth or gums, a quick dental checkup can help identify the cause and keep their dental health on track through the winter months.
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. David Trent, Chief Medical Officer and Oral Surgeon at Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics.
