Does Cold Weather Affect Your Teeth? HOW TO HANDLE TOOTH SENSITIVITY THIS FALL AND WINTER
Nothing is better than spending an afternoon playing with your kids and enjoying their company. However, finding a game or activity that keeps their attention and focus can be challenging. That’s when we have to get creative to find something fun and new for our kids. One solution that keeps kids engaged is creating unique items using ingredients from around the house. We’re not talking about the standard arts and crafts here! Younger kids love playing with Play-Doh, but you don’t have to go to the store to pick it up. You can make a few different versions with everyday household items. Your kids will love creating and playing with the dough. Here are a few options you can try the next time your kids want something to do. Just remember to supervise your kids during these activities! CLOUD DOUGH AND SLIME RECIPES ORDINARY INGREDIENTS, EXTRAORDINARY FUN
When the cold weather hits, you may notice that the crisp air nips at your nose and makes your teeth ache. If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain in your teeth when biting into something cold or being exposed to cold winds, it’s likely due to tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity can be heightened during the fall and winter seasons for a number of reasons, and it’s important to know how to handle it. WHY COLD WEATHER HURTS YOUR TEETH Tooth sensitivity arises when the protective layer of your teeth, known as enamel, wears down, exposing the more sensitive inner layers. Cold air or cold foods can trigger pain when they come into contact with these sensitive areas. In the fall and winter, even just breathing in cold air can cause discomfort for those with sensitive teeth. WINTER BEHAVIORS THAT CAN IMPACT TOOTH SENSITIVITY It’s not just the cold air that affects your teeth — our habits during colder months can also contribute to increased sensitivity. For instance, many people clench their jaws more often in response to cold weather, which can put additional pressure on teeth and lead to discomfort. Additionally, sipping on hot drinks like coffee or tea may seem comforting, but the acidity in these beverages can wear down enamel over time, making your teeth even more sensitive. TOOTH SENSITIVITY AND WINTER ILLNESSES Fall and winter are also the peak seasons for respiratory illnesses like colds and sinus infections. When you have a cold or sinusitis, mucus can build up and obstruct your sinuses, which can cause pressure in your face and lead to tooth pain. If you’re experiencing a toothache, nasal congestion, and other cold symptoms, your sinuses may be the culprit rather than your teeth. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH THIS SEASON You can take a few simple steps to manage tooth sensitivity during the colder months. Using a toothpaste specifically created for sensitive teeth can help strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort. Additionally, wearing a scarf or mask to cover your mouth outside can shield your teeth from cold air. Be wary of clenching your teeth, and try to limit acidic beverages that could worsen sensitivity. If you’re struggling with tooth pain this fall, don’t hesitate to contact our team. With the right care, you can keep your teeth healthy and comfortable all season long!
CLOUD DOUGH If you want to try a soft and fluffy alternative to Play-Doh, you’ll love creating cloud dough. You’ll need an unscented hair conditioner or one with a scent
your children enjoy, food coloring, and
cornstarch. Combine a half cup of conditioner, 4 drops of food coloring, and 1 cup of cornstarch, and mix it all in a bowl. Once it becomes hard to mix, start kneading the dough
with your hands until it’s smooth and cloud-like. That’s all there is to it. When
your kids finish playing with their cloud dough, squeeze all the air from it and place it in an airtight container to ensure it maintains its form and stays workable. You can also replace the conditioner with yogurt if you’re worried about your little one trying to sneak a taste. SLIME Want something a bit gooier? Then let’s make some slime! Start by combining one 4-ounce bottle of school glue with 2 tablespoons of contact lens solution. Then, add 1–2 cups of shaving cream, depending on how thick you want your slime. Knead it together until it’s no longer sticky, and you’re good to go!
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