Your Guide to Winter Dental Care – By Dr. Sonia Datta
Kolkata: Winter does strange things to your mouth. Sensitivity jumps. Breath feels drier. Gums get more easily irritated. And all of this often happens quietly — until that first sip of hot chai sends a sharp reminder of the season’s effects.
Why sensitivity feels worse in winter: Cold air causes your enamel to contract. It’s a tiny shift, but it exposes the sensitive dentin underneath. Mix that with steaming drinks, sudden temperature changes, and the constant cold, and sensitivity becomes a daily annoyance.
Dry mouth sneaks up on you: Indoor heaters, low humidity, and drinking less water than usual all reduce saliva. Most people underestimate this, but saliva is what neutralises acids and slows plaque growth. Without it, bacteria get comfortable fast, and bad breath follows.
Your gums also react to the season: Your immunity dips in colder months, so your gums get irritated more easily. Mild swelling or bleeding is more common, especially if your brushing routine has had a few too many “I’ll do it later” evenings.
What helps during winter: The good news? A few small habits make winter much easier on your mouth:
- Stay hydrated even if you’re not thirsty.
- Brush gently: your enamel is already working hard.
- Avoid extreme piping-hot drinks.
- Keep your brushing and tongue-cleaning routine consistent.
- Choose an ayurvedic toothpaste that cleans well.
Where Ayurveda fits in: Ayurvedic herbs naturally complement winter care because they support warmth, comfort, and balance.
- Shunthi (ginger) helps calm inflammation.
- Maricha (black pepper) supports antibacterial defence.
- Clove oil adds a warm, soothing layer of relief.
Toothpastes that use these wisely, like Dabur Red, which has the IDA Seal of acceptance: tend to feel steadier in winter because they rely on ayurvedic ingredients, not harsh chemicals.
A stable winter routine makes all the difference: Winter doesn’t need to be a sensitive season for your teeth. With a bit of consistency and products that work with your mouth, not against it, you can get through the cold months with happier gums, stronger enamel, and breath that stays fresh even on chilly mornings.
Authored by Dr. Sonia Datta, MDS, PhD, Professor in Public Health Dentistry.
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