Wintertime Dental Health Tips: Protect Your Smile in Cold Weather
Winter can be harsh on your teeth and gums. Cold weather in wintertime may increase sensitivity and even lead to discomfort. Follow these expert tips to keep your smile bright and healthy all season long.
Dress your face and mouth for winter
Cold air can make sensitive teeth ache. Protect your smile by keeping your face and mouth warm — wear a scarf or face covering when you’re outdoors in winter.
Mind your jaw
When you're cold, it's natural to clench your jaw, which can lead to tooth wear and jaw muscle pain. Instead of tensing up, wrap up warmly and try to relax. A relaxed jaw helps prevent headaches as well as protecting your teeth.
Health alert: Jaw pain can sometimes signal more serious issues, so if your discomfort persists despite self-care, see your dentist or GP.
Stay hydrated, inside and out
Cold weather and dry indoor air can lead to dehydration, causing dry mouth, cracked lips and even mouth ulcers. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva, which protects your teeth and gums.
Tip: Aim for 6–8 glasses (about 1.5–2 litres) of fluid a day — water is best for your teeth. You may need more if you’re active.
For more advice on a healthy routine, see our hygienist page.
Avoiding winter tooth pain
You can help prevent winter tooth pain by:
- Breathing through your nose rather than your mouth in cold weather.
- Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if cold air or drinks make your teeth sting.
- Booking regular dental check-ups so we can spot and treat sensitivity early.
- Keeping up with your daily dental hygiene routine.
What our patients say
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with o…Read full review
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with other people because I didn't want them to notice my teeth.
The whole team have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and understanding. They all really, really listened to me and my experience. They explained each step that needed to be taken, in detail, answered all of my questions really well, and ensured I wasn't in pain or anxious.
I was also able to use my own coping mechanisms (fidget rings, worry stones, hand fidgeting), and I wasn't judged. That's how it should be, and thank you for setting an example.
It's quiet and genuinely a really nice, calm atmosphere. And because it's a calm, quiet practice, it doesn't feel like you're on a timer.I didn't feel pressured by anyone for anything regarding treatment, and have been kindly but firmly re-educated on important aspects or oral health.
They will also send you plenty of reminders and confirmations, which has been super helpful for me to manage my time and prioritise myself and my teeth.
A huge thank you to Dr. Rikki, Dr. Anna, and the rest of the team who made me feel like it was possible to get my smile back. My confidence has increased tenfold, and I would do it all again (but hopefully not).
Dentist and assistant arrived on time to treat my wife who sadly suffers from dementia and is unable to communicate to dentist fully.
(Sadly not seen Dentist for 5 years)
The service they gave was nothing short of wonderful. As patients partner, I was involved in the process of a 3 tooth removal process. Dentist explained the pr…Read full review
Dentist and assistant arrived on time to treat my wife who sadly suffers from dementia and is unable to communicate to dentist fully.
(Sadly not seen Dentist for 5 years)
The service they gave was nothing short of wonderful. As patients partner, I was involved in the process of a 3 tooth removal process. Dentist explained the process, the techniques, apparatus used, how the treatment was administered and all aspects of aftercare.
Both Dentist and assistant talked and encouraged wife in a calm and professional way, held her hand to calm her.
Dentist only proceeded when gum area was completely numb so extractions could proceed.
All 3 extractions proceeded in a calm and professional manner.
I can only say a big thank you to Dentist and assistant who really put myself at ease with the whole process.
Communication from their Birmingham centre was excellent, and, although I was in the Liverpool area for treatment, there were no communication glitches.
I can thoroughly recommend the homevisit way of providing dental services for the more vulnerable and mobility problems of patients.
I thank them very much.
Steve.
I had my wisdom tooth removed at The Dentist and couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was made to feel so at ease and reassured through the whole process. I was very nervous but Ricky was incredibly relaxed which calmed me down. Initially I wasn't sure whether to proceed with the removal and I felt very understood and …
Read full review
I had my wisdom tooth removed at The Dentist and couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was made to feel so at ease and reassured through the whole process. I was very nervous but Ricky was incredibly relaxed which calmed me down. Initially I wasn't sure whether to proceed with the removal and I felt very understood and I wasn't pressured into the decision. Everything was explained thoroughly and I couldn't recommend the team enough! Very grateful to have had such a good experience for something so scary/unpleasant!
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