Dental health does not exist in isolation; it is connected to that of other body systems. At Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park practice, we’ve seen the ravages of the winter weather on patients’ lips and we want them to understand how to protect themselves and why it is relevant to dental care.
The lack of moisture in cold air makes things tougher for people who suffer from dry mouth. When the body has difficulty producing saliva, it is more vulnerable to oral infections, including those which cause tooth decay. Humidifiers placed strategically around homes and workplaces can help combat this, especially when placed where the patient sleeps.
Two things that are definitely not helpful are long showers and moistening the lips with saliva. Wetting the lips causes them to dry out faster due to evaporation. Holding them under the teeth is worse; this will dry them out irritate them, and if done frequently, could cause the teeth to become misaligned. A better option is to use lip balm to seal in moisture, but some ingredients, such as fragrances and menthol, cause some peoples’ lips to become irritated. A change in products is necessary if this is a problem.
The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.
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