Anyone who’s lived through a Michigan winter knows the drill. You bundle up to face the bitter cold outside, then step into buildings where the heat is cranked up and the air is bone dry. Your skin dries out, your lips crack, and you go through tubes of lip balm like they’re going out of style.
For people with braces, this seasonal shift creates some specific challenges worth addressing before they become problems.
Tooth Sensitivity in Cold Air
That sharp zing when you breathe in cold air through your mouth isn’t your imagination. Teeth naturally expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, and when you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, your teeth are already under controlled pressure from wires and brackets.
Adding thermal stress on top of mechanical stress can make sensitivity more noticeable. The good news is this is typically temporary and manageable:
- Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
- Breathe through your nose when outside to reduce direct cold air exposure
- Give it time—sensitivity usually decreases as you adjust
Chapped Lips and Bracket Irritation
Chapped lips are practically universal in Michigan winters, but they’re particularly annoying when you have braces. Dry, cracked lips catch on brackets and can become irritated from repeated contact with the metal.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan notes that the combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating strips moisture from lips faster than most people realize.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Apply lip balm before going outside to create a protective barrier
- Use a humidifier at home to put moisture back in the air
- Stick with simple lip balm formulas—avoid strong flavors, tingling sensations, or exfoliating ingredients
- Keep orthodontic wax handy for spots where brackets irritate dry lips
Dry Mouth and Oral Health
Dry mouth is another winter issue that affects orthodontic patients more than most people realize. When indoor heating runs constantly, humidity in your home drops significantly. You wake up with a parched mouth, and that lack of saliva creates problems beyond simple discomfort.
Saliva plays a crucial role in:
- Washing away food particles
- Neutralizing acids that cause decay
- Keeping braces and teeth cleaner between brushings
With braces creating extra nooks and crannies where debris can hide, adequate saliva production matters even more.
What helps:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Keep a glass of water on your nightstand for middle-of-the-night sips
- Consider a bedroom humidifier if you consistently wake up with dry mouth
Cold Sores and Winter Weather
Cold sores tend to flare up more frequently in winter months. While cold sores aren’t caused by the weather itself, the stress that harsh conditions put on lip tissue can trigger outbreaks in people who carry the virus.
If you’re prone to cold sores and you have braces, talk to Dr. Porto about strategies for managing outbreaks. The friction between brackets and an active cold sore can be quite painful, and there are approaches that help minimize discomfort during healing.
Making Winter Comfortable With Braces
Winter doesn’t have to be miserable for orthodontic patients. A little extra attention to hydration, lip care, and humidity control goes a long way toward keeping your mouth comfortable until spring arrives.
Having winter-related issues with your braces? Contact our Grandville or Holland office. We’re here to help you stay comfortable all season long.
