With the onset of the monsoon season, there begins the desire to enjoy the showers and eat fried and hot steaming food, corn (which are full of fibers) and drink hot beverages in the comforts of our home. As it rains outside, so we are bound to stay at home, thereby stimulating our hunger and taste buds.
As moisture increases in the atmosphere in the monsoon season and we consume hot beverages at this time, so the problems of tooth sensitivity and nerve pain increases during monsoon.
So, it is very essential that due attention is paid to oral care and hygiene during the monsoon season. This will help maintain a healthy smile and a healthy body.
Common Teeth Problems in the Monsoon Season
If we do not care for our teeth, we are most likely to face the following monsoon season teeth problems-
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which a person finds it very painful and uncomfortable to eat or drink hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. Even the pain is caused in regular brushing of teeth. This is called sensitivity. It is caused due to worn out enamel, damaged or exposed roots, cavities, cracks etc. Root canal treatment and tooth scaling benefits are many, but these procedures may also give rise to tooth sensitivity for some days. In monsoon, this tooth sensitivity may increase due to consumption of hot eatables and drinks.
2. Gum Infections
Not maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, may lead to gum infections. When teeth are not brushed or flossed properly, then bacteria start lodging between the gums and teeth. This may even lead to the problem of bleeding gums. pain and gum inflammation.
3. Dental Decay
Tooth decay refers to any damage that is caused to the surface of the tooth or its’ enamel. When the oral care is not proper and we consume sugary and hot food/beverages during monsoon, then bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the enamel (outer coating of the tooth). Tooth decay causes cavities (holes) in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
4. Bad Breath
Bad breath is a condition which is not just unpleasant for an individual, but it is embarrassing too.
A person facing this problem faces anxiety and resorts to measures like mouthwashes, mints gums, mint toothpaste etc. But they are just a temporary solution.
The main cause of bad breath includes consumption of certain foods, health conditions and poor habits. When the personal oral care practices are not good and then the monsoon moisture adds to intensify the problem of bad breath.
If you cannot tackle this problem at your own, fix an appointment with your nearest dental clinic and see the doctor.
Overcoming these Dental Problems
Here are some simple tips that you can follow to avoid some dental problems this monsoon and can have a healthy smile-
1. Maintain a Healthy Oral Routine and Renew your Supplies
Brush your teeth twice a day and change your toothbrush every two month.
Possibly, use a toothbrush cover to protect it from getting moist in the atmosphere. Flossing is also a good habit. But flossing should be done very carefully and on the advice of your dental expert. Cleaning your tongue everyday is essential.
Also use desensitizing toothpaste to counter the problem of sensitive teeth, which is very common in the monsoon season.
2. Book an Appointment with your Dental specialist
Although most of the problems like bad breath, tooth decay can be resolved by changing the oral care practices.
If the problem still continues, make sure you book an appointment with a dental specialist and follow his advice and practices that are recommended by him.
Just remember that regular dental checkup is IMPORTANT.
3. Maintaining Personal Hygiene and Overall Health
Personal hygiene maintenance like bathing, wearing clean clothes, not sharing personal belongings, washing hands etc. prevent the spread of any sort of infection.
Our body can deal with any type of infection, if we have a strong immune system. The following factors contribute to stronger immunity and good health-
a. Adequate sleep
b. a balanced diet
c. regular exercise, yoga/pranayama
d. stress management
If our overall health is good, our dental health is also most likely to be good.
4. Eat the Best of the Season
The intake of added sugars, preservatives and processed foods should be reduced. Seasonal fruits and vegetables must be consumed. Soups, almonds, corns and strawberries should be consumed. Food/fruits rich in vitamin C such as pineapple, lemon, cucumber etc are good for keeping away the gum related problems. Intake of excessive caffeine, alcohol and smoking should be avoided to have a good dental health .
5. Special care for Kids
The humid conditions during monsoon make the kids consume more of sugary drinks and other cold beverages, which leads to increase in acid in mouth. This leads to building of cavities and gum infections. Extra care must be taken regarding the food habits of kids.
In order to maintain a good oral health and to enjoy the monsoon season to the fullest, one must adopt a proactive approach. One should schedule his /her dental appointment at the right time by just searching “dentist near me” on your smart phone, restock the dental supplies, eat good and stay active. These are the best ways to maintain a HAPPY SMILE in every monsoon season.
