When winter winds blow, the air is dry, and temperatures fluctuate more frequently from day to day. But if you have braces, these seasonal changes can complicate the care of your braces and your teeth. If you go to a Saturday orthodontist in NE Calgary at the busiest time of year, you’ll have the convenience of continuing to stay on track with your treatment. On top of that, you can do simple things at home to keep your braces comfortable and safe.
Cold weather can affect the feeling your braces have, how your mouth responds and even how well you can clean around the brackets and wires. Winter braces care is easier if you follow the right tips and tricks.
Seeing an orthodontist near your home during your winter checkups can help you fix small problems before they are painful or urgent.
Can Cold Weather Affect Braces?
When the temperature gets colder, your mouth dries out, and your metal braces may feel tighter for a little while. This is normal and usually goes away quickly.
Here’s how winter may affect your braces:
- Cold drinks can make teeth feel sensitive
- Cracked lips and irritation around the brackets can be caused by dry air
- Switching between hot and cold temperatures may cause mild discomfort
- Thick winter foods like caramel treats can damage wires
By understanding how these changes occur, you can take steps to protect braces throughout the season.
Tip 1: Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Winter air can leave your mouth feeling dry, sticky, and uncomfortable. If your mouth is getting too dry, try to drink water regularly. This will prevent the food from getting stuck to your braces.
Quick Hydration Tips:
- Sip warm water throughout the day
- Use a humidifier at home
- Choose water over sugary hot drinks
- Carry a small water bottle outside
Tip 2: Shield Your Lips and Gums
Once the temperature is low, it is quite typical that your lips become cracked and your cheeks irritated, especially if you are wearing braces. However, it is very simple to avoid this, although it is a frequently occurring situation.
Try these simple solutions.
- Use a lip balm with SPF
- Apply orthodontic wax on sharp bracket edges
- Cover your mouth with a scarf when outside
- Avoid licking your lips, which dries them out more
- Small steps like these make a big difference in comfort
Tip 3: Stick to Braces-Friendly Winter Foods
It’s best to avoid sticky or hard winter foods, as they can damage your braces. By opting for safer choices, you will save your brackets, and the wires won’t break.
- Safe Winter Foods
- Soups and stews
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft breads
- Steamed veggies
- Warm oats
Foods to Avoid
- Hard candy
- Caramel desserts
- Crunchy nuts
- Ice cubes
Eating right can make you enjoy this season without any dental worries.
Tip 4: Maintain a Strong Cleaning Routine
Travel, hectic schedules, and festive goodies are usually the features of winter. In this case, it can make braces harder to keep clean, so staying on top of a simple routine can help avoid staining and plaque buildup.
Brushing Checklist:
- Brush after every meal.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Try a floss threader or water flosser.
- Clean under wires and around brackets.
Tip 5: Know When to Seek Help
If something hurts, feels loose, or is uncomfortable in the winter, don’t wait. Occasionally, a temperature change can cause wires to slip or brackets to pop off.
When you search in NE Calgary for a Saturday orthodontist who offers urgent care.
- A wire is poking your cheek
- A bracket breaks
- Teeth feel unusually painful
- You have sores that don’t heal
What we tend to ignore gets exaggerated. Try to get quick care from a healthcare expert before it’s too late.
Ready for Stress-Free Winter Braces Care?
Expert support can keep you comfortable and confident during the cold season. So, do not hesitate to make your appointment at Totally Orthodontics and continue with your smile maintenance throughout the whole winter!
FAQ
- Why do my teeth hurt more in cold weather with braces?
When you eat something cold, your teeth shrink a tiny bit. This can cause braces to feel tight for quite a while.
- Can I drink hot chocolate with braces?
Sure, but leave out the marshmallows and no sticky add-ons that’ll get stuck!
- Should I wear a mouthguard in winter?
A mouthguard is essential for everyone playing winter sports with braces.
- What do I do if a wire pokes my cheek?
Please apply wax to it, and consider scheduling a repair at your earliest convenience.
