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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

Newburyport Dentist Offers Tips for Winter Dental Care

Oct 29th, 2024

Winter is quickly coming to our dental office in Newburyport, bringing snow, chilly temperatures, and a lot of seasonal activities, from winter sports to holiday gatherings. But while we’re out enjoying the season, winter can have a unique impact on our dental health. Here’s a closer look at some common winter-related dental concerns—especially if you’re hitting the slopes, dealing with sensitivity, or enjoying holiday treats.

Protecting Your Teeth During Winter Sports

Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, hockey, or ice skating, winter sports can be rough on your teeth. The combination of speed, hard surfaces, and cold weather makes these activities a bit risky for your smile.

Tips to Keep Your Smile Safe:

  • Wear a Custom Mouthguard: A mouthguard is essential if you’re doing high-impact sports. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection, significantly reducing the risk of broken or chipped teeth.
  • Avoid Chewing Ice: It might be tempting after a day on the slopes or rink, but chewing ice can weaken your enamel and increase the risk of cracks. It’s especially risky if your teeth are already sensitive to the cold.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is common in cold, dry weather, especially if you’re active. Water helps keep your mouth hydrated and reduces the risk of dry mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay.

Winter sports are thrilling, but taking these simple precautions can help you focus on the fun and avoid any unwanted trips to the dentist!

Dealing with Cold Weather Tooth Sensitivity

Feeling that sharp, sudden pain in your teeth when you take a breath of cold air? You’re not alone. Cold sensitivity is a common complaint in winter, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including thin enamel, gum recession, or cracks in teeth.

Ways to Manage Sensitivity:

  • Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Sensitivity toothpaste can help block discomfort by covering exposed areas of your teeth. Using it regularly can significantly reduce pain and make your daily winter outings more comfortable.
  • Consider Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride treatments strengthen your enamel, making it more resistant to the effects of cold. Talk to us about whether fluoride treatments or varnishes might work for you.

Keeping sensitivity in check lets you enjoy the winter season comfortably—and pain-free.

The Impact of Holiday Treats on Your Teeth

The holiday season brings gatherings, celebrations, and plenty of delicious foods. While these treats make the season extra sweet, they can take a toll on your dental health if you’re not careful. Many seasonal treats are high in sugar and carbs, which fuel cavity-causing bacteria.

Tips for Enjoying Treats Safely:

  • Limit Sugary Snacks: Instead of snacking throughout the day, try to enjoy holiday treats during meals. When we eat, saliva production increases, which helps to neutralize acids and wash away sugars.
  • Choose Cheese and Nuts Over Sweets: Cheese and nuts are often on holiday trays and make tooth-friendly options that won’t contribute to cavities as sugary foods do.
  • Rinse with Water: After enjoying sugary treats, drink a glass of water to help rinse away sugars and neutralize acid in your mouth.
  • Stick to Your Brushing Routine: Holidays are busy, but keeping up with brushing and flossing is essential. Aim to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily to reduce plaque and cavity risks.

With a balanced approach, you can enjoy all the holiday festivities without worrying about an unwelcome surprise at your next dental checkup!

Winter Dental Care in Newburyport, MA

At our Newburyport dental practice, we’re here to help you enjoy the season with confidence and comfort. From custom mouthguards for winter sports to treatments for sensitive teeth, we’re dedicated to keeping your smile safe and healthy all winter long.

Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, sensitive to the cold, or simply want to navigate holiday treats with ease, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Anyone can train to be a technician, but few have the talent to become an artist. That’s why Dr. Mathew is able to guarantee his cosmetic dentistry work for a full 5 years. If anything goes wrong with the work, Dr. Mathew will fix it free of charge, as long as you continue with your regular 6 month preventative care cleaning and check up for the duration of the warranty.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.