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Dental problems in older people increase in winter
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During the colder months, professionals are observing an increase in cases of tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, and pain when breathing cold air or eating food.
According to José Francisco Rada Gil, dentist, medical director of the Mobile Dental Service and co-founder of Sermade (dental group specializing in elderly, dependent and disabled people), “with the arrival of the winter cold there is an increase in respiratory diseases that affect the nose, throat and lungs, producing nasal congestion that forces one to become an oral breather.
This mouth breathing, increasingly common during the winter, has a direct impact on oral health. “There is an increased sensation of dry mouth due to the transition from heated environments to the cold outdoors, along with increased mouth breathing,” explains Rada, a combination that reduces the amount of saliva and weakens the natural defenses of the oral cavity.
Added to this context are the changes in habits typical of this time of year. Hot drinks, often high in sugar, and the increased consumption of sweets during Christmas are part of everyday winter life. "Winter weather tends to bring about new habits that can lead to an increase in cavities if the patient does not maintain proper oral hygiene," warns the expert.
In dental clinics these past few weeks, similar symptoms have been observed: chapped lips from the cold, persistent dry mouth, and a noticeable increase in tooth sensitivity. “In cases where there may be a pre-existing condition, there is an increase in tooth sensitivity exacerbated by the outside temperature,” Rada points out, especially in older people with tooth wear, receding gums, or old dental work.
Saliva, often underestimated, plays a key role in this process. “Saliva is usually considered anecdotal in oral care, but it performs very important functions: it protects teeth, neutralizes acid activity, and, through the self-cleaning processes of the oral cavity, helps prevent cavities,” the dentist emphasizes.
The cold weather also exacerbates general problems that already affect a significant portion of the population, such as bruxism, which is more common during periods of stress. “General problems like bruxism can increase the sensation of pain or sensitivity,” adds Rada, which explains why many people notice a worsening of dental discomfort during the winter.
Experts agree that these signs should not be normalized or attributed solely to age. Simple measures such as "protecting your mouth outdoors with a scarf or bandana" or trying to breathe through your nose, "the most natural method as it filters and warms the air before it reaches the lungs," can make a difference.
Avoiding sudden temperature changes in food and drinks, reducing sugar intake, and attending regular checkups remain key. “Having regular professional checkups allows for the detection of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed,” Rada concludes.
Winter isn't just about scarves and coats. In the mouth, especially in older adults, the cold can become a silent factor that aggravates existing problems and affects quality of life. Paying attention to these discomforts and acting promptly is now a matter of seasonal public health, according to Sermade.