The ever-changing season may be beautiful and bring us exciting things to look forward to, but did you know that these seasonal changes also affect our dental health? The change in weather brings with it the adjustment to the temperature and our lifestyle. Melbourne’s no stranger to this, but if you want to know more about how the changing seasons affect our dental health and what we can do to maintain our smile, then today’s article is the right one for you.
New blooms in spring mark the start of allergy season.
Spring is the season that symbolises new life, and everything’s pretty much flourishing. It’s not too hot or cold and is the ideal weather to just about do anything, whether spend a leisurely stroll in the park or chill at home. But as beautiful as it is, many of us dread the new blooms of spring because of hay fever. Did you know? Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergic reactions in the world; in Australia alone, it affects one in five people. This reaction is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and even something as simple as grass.
Although it’s typically not serious, many of us opt for over-the-counter medication to combat these allergic reactions. Ingesting these medications may help ease the symptoms, but in some cases, the medicine can trigger dry mouth. Nasal congestion is also a well-known symptom of allergies, forcing individuals to breathe through their mouths, which also causes their saliva to dry out, which will in turn lead to dental issues. At times like these, staying hydrated is crucial, and it’s also best to be diligent in practicing your oral and dental health care to avoid issues. With things like this, it’s better to be ahead of the game and visit your local Toorak Dentist so they can suggest other helpful dental care tips to keep your smile bright.
Hydration and beating the heat in summer are paramount.
Similar to spring, summer also comes with a lot of fun and a few issues. With the rising heat index in recent years, dehydration has become more of a problem. It’s bad enough that the majority of Australians already suffer from dehydration symptoms daily, but the summer heat can even worsen that. As such, you can’t blame people for opting for cool and sugary drinks, and ice cream for refreshment. Try to limit consumption of these drinks since they contain a lot of sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. Just stick to plain old water; many people may not be even aware that Melbourne’s water quality affects your teeth in a good way because of the added fluoride, keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Another thing you should consider practicing is the use of straw; directly consuming these sugary drinks can contribute to cavity buildup, and make sure to get a good rinse after drinking to wash away the sugar.
Instead of reaching for ice cream next time, why not try eating chilled fruits instead? Apples, in particular, help stimulate saliva production and avoid dry mouth. Most people forget that plaque and tartar buildup creep up on us, so by the time you realize it, you may already be suffering from a severe toothache. At times like this, it’s important to head to the emergency dentist Toorak, so they can address your dental concern and suggest a treatment plan.
Be careful of too much candy during the Halloween season’s autumn.
Fall season calls for warm cups of tea and something freshly baked as you cozy up at home or the nearest café. Expect to see a lot of pumpkin-spiced lattes and a lot of fall flavors in your local cafes. Let’s not forget one of the most-awaited events of the year: Halloween. So can you already imagine the amount of sugar intake you’ll be doing during this season alone? Not only that, there’s also the beginning cold crisp in the air, which can also trigger many people’s allergic rhinitis.
Enjoying all of these during the season is fine, as long as you don’t neglect your dental health. It can be pretty hard, especially if you have a sweet tooth, but try and avoid eating sticky candies that stick to your teeth and make it a habit to rinse your teeth. If you want to, you can switch them out with healthier options like pumpkin seeds or apples with butter, especially if you’re craving something sweet.
The cold winds of winter call for warm comfort food.
Finally, there’s winter, which somewhat brings the culmination of all these seasonal habits and food favorites. From hot chocolate to Christmas chocolates and the cold, crisp air, all these things contribute to dental and oral issues. Because of the cold weather, you can develop teeth sensitivity, while the dry indoor air can decrease your saliva production, which in turn leads to dry mouth. At times like these, it’s best to stick with your dental care, but as always, be mindful of your sugar intake. Try herbal teas instead of hot chocolate, and don’t forget to use a humidifier so the air doesn’t turn stale, retaining the necessary moisture in the air.
Each season comes with its own set of challenges, and at times like these, don’t forget to do your usual dental routine every morning and night to ensure optimal oral health. Even the simple act of rinsing your mouth can do wonders for your teeth, so make it a habit. But even if you’re practicing all these dental care tips, you must still drop by your local dentist for your regular appointment. At least twice a year, schedule a dental checkup so they can conduct a thorough cleaning of your teeth. Along with that, getting checked for potential dental and oral health issues is essential so you can address the problem early on. Remember, dental health is a lifetime commitment, so it’s a must to find a good dentist who can help you achieve and maintain optimal oral well-being.