Common Oral Problems in the Winter

January might be coming to a close, but Winter is still in full swing, with many cold months for the foreseeable future. With the less than warm weather becoming the norm, there are a few oral issues that arise as a result. Here are the top mouth problems of the winter, and tips to help prevent and heal them.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are wounds that most commonly appear on the inside of your cheeks, under your tongue, and on your gums. They are especially prevalent in the winter time as they can appear when someone consumes acidic things such as cider, or particularly spicy treats.

Partaking in these treats occasionally shouldn’t have too big of an impact on your mouth, and therefore cutting back on the consumption should lessen the risk, but for those who already have canker sores, the treatment is simple. Mix in a tablespoon of salt in a small glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth, careful not to swallow the mixture. The canker sores should clear up in a few days.

Cold Sores

Not to be confused with the aforementioned canker sores, cold sores develop on the outside of the mouth and will do so much more frequently if you’re constantly exposed to the chilly outdoors. Moisturizing around the mouth and using products which have an SPF of at least 15 can help lessen the chance of contracting cold sores. Keeping a scarf up and over your mouth when the cold winds hit can also help in the prevention.

As far as treatment goes, there are many cold sore remedies that are available over the counter at any local pharmacy or grocery store.

Chapped Lips

Possibly the most common winter problem of them all is chapped lips. Like cold sores, chapped lips are a result of being out in the chilly temperatures which can suck the moisture right out of your lips, making them dry and prone to cracking and even bleeding. To prevent these, keep a lip balm on hand at all times to apply when your lips start feeling a little dry. This also works as a treatment for those who already have dry lips, as well as drinking water to keep your skin hydrated.

Take care of yourself this winter season, taking necessary precautions to ensure that these things do not happen to you.