Why Do Canker Sores Occur Frequently in Winter?
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Do you suffer from an uncomfortable canker sore on your mouth throughout the winter?
Winter season delivers shorter days and longer nights, chilly air with low humidity, and other lovely and exciting things.
Conversely, the winter brings illnesses such as common cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin problems, etc.
During this period, our immune systems are weakened, making us more vulnerable to oral infections like canker sores and mouth ulcers, which are more common in the winter, so make sure to take extra care of your teeth. It can help you prevent common oral issues.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores refer to a tiny and shallow sore inside the mouth or along the gum line. The most typical sign of a painful sore is that it can be challenging to speak and eat. This canker sore is not contagious and does not occur on the lips like a cold sore. Instead, it may be triggered by stress, allergies, dehydration, acidic foods, or minor trauma.
How Does the Wintertime Bring About Canker Sores?
The cold and dry air makes our mouth tissues more sensitive & vulnerable to injury and infection. As a result, canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, tend to be more common in the winter.
This is because dry air reduces saliva production in the mouth, and saliva is essential for flushing away bacteria and food particles that can lead to infections.
Canker sores or Mouth sores are triggered by cold weather in the cases of,
Weakened Immunity – When the weather gets so cold, it can weaken the immune system of people who lack sufficient vitamin D. It also usually results in canker sores.
Dry Lips – Our lips could get dry when the environmental temperature turns too cold. It also tends to result in cold sores.
Heating Activities – The virus spreads faster due to activities like heating our houses to stave off the cold, which is why cold sores occur more commonly in the winter.
How to Treat Canker Sores in Winter?
Winter canker sores typically disappear by themselves within one or two weeks. However, if you want a quick healing process, follow these steps for a speedy recovery.
- Use antiviral medications.
- Apply topical ointment over the canker sores.
- Rinse your mouth with Saltwater (dissolve the salt and baking soda in warm water, then rinse it off)
- Apply a small amount of milk of magnesia to your canker sores twice a day.
- Apply ice on your canker sore it helps slowly dissolves the winter canker sores.
- Brush your teeth gently by using a soft brush and foaming-free toothpaste.
How Can You Prevent These Winter Canker Sores?
You may be able to reduce the winter canker sore with the following tips:
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself warm.
- Moisturize and hydrate your lips
- Consume vitamin D-rich foods.
- Reduce your stress level.
- Sleep for 8 hours daily.
- Invest in crucial activities to strengthen your immunity.
- Take essential nutrient supplements for iron, zinc, folic acid, or vitamin B-12.
To say a long story short, stay hydrated and maintain good oral health to avoid winter canker sores.
