Dry air, dry mouth, dry eyes
Avoiding unexpected winter risks
Whether you love or hate the crisp winter weather, there’s no doubt that it changes the way our bodies — and even our dental work — react to the environment.
Cold, dry air and bright, reflective surfaces can influence your mouth and eye health in ways you might not realize until discomfort sets in. Knowing the risks before they sneak up on you helps keep both your smile and your sight healthy all season long.
Dry winter air can reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth, which raises your risk for cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath. The same dry air can also cause dry eyes, leaving them itchy, irritated, or watery.
What helps: Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, sip water throughout the day, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva. For vision, using eye drops and taking frequent breaks from screens can help reduce discomfort.
Cold weather and tooth sensitivity
If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, you might notice more sensitivity in winter. Cold air can make your tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth) expand and contract slightly, causing tooth sensitivity.
What helps: Breathe through your nose outdoors and wear a scarf over your mouth to protect your dental appliance from the weather. If you notice sensitivity, avoid very hot and cold foods until it subsides.
UV exposure from snow
Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the sun's UV rays and cause photokeratitis, which is like a temporary sunburn on your eye.
What helps: Wear sunglasses or goggles with 100% UVA/UVB protection, even on cloudy days.
Seasonal illness side effects
Cold and flu medications, especially decongestants, can cause dry mouth — and mouth breathing from congestion only makes the problem worse.
What helps: Stay hydrated, use sugar-free lozenges to protect your tooth enamel from sugar, and talk to your dentist if dryness persists.
Chapped lips and skin around the mouth
Wind and cold can crack lips and irritate skin, making eating and speaking uncomfortable.
What helps: Apply a lip balm with at least SPF 30 before heading outside and avoid licking your lips, which can worsen dryness.
Winter wellness in action
By using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, shielding your eyes from glare, and taking small steps to protect your mouth, you can safely sidestep these seasonal hazards. A little preparation means you’ll be free to enjoy the best parts of winter without letting the cold weather take a bite out of your health.
