IT’s that time of the year again when body contact with cold water is dreaded; this implies that much of everything that has to do with our bodies getting in contact with cold water is shunned.
Good hygiene practices are significantly defeated by the cold weather and many nights on end go on without the constant after work showers and before bed time mouth cleaning habits.
For the mouth this means increased risk of tooth disease.
As the germs in our mouths will have a good eight hours or more to feed on the sweet foods stuck in our teeth and convert it to acid which makes holes in our teeth, also an increase in plaque formation which provides good home and feeding for the germs.
Winter comes with an increased desire to eat more and be less active, more like am impulse to hibernate.
Most people just can’t resist the urge to keep gulping down hot beverages such as hot chocolate and coffee alongside muffins and cookies.
Others however, turn to sports and games to keep warm. We all know sugar is the tooth worst enemy, with an increased intake of sugar during winter our teeth become susceptible to cavities.
With an increased sports activity in the hope to keep warm injury to the teeth and rest of face increases.
During winter and all year round its best to keep our sugar intake in check, this does not mean completely eliminating the sugar from our diet but to keep the sugar moments in check,
“Sugar is your tooth worst enemy and your mouth germs better half” is what I often love to say, it literally means just that and with increased intake of cakes, muffins, chocolates during winter you increase your chances of developing cavities.
Hydration with pure plain water in winter becomes a bit of a challenge for most as people opt for sweetened beverages instead.
So risk of dehydration increases in winter times, dehydration means reduced saliva production and an increase in cavities.
To prevent dehydration ensure to drink room temperature water and if it happens to be too cold for you warm up some water and drink it.
For people who can’t stand the taste of water use a drinking straw.
Cold winds and temperatures can be harsh for your teeth as frequent exposure of your teeth to the cold can lead to micro fracture i.e. little tiny cracks in your teeth, this is because of the constant temperature changes that your teeth are exposed to from the warmth of your mouth to the cold outside, to prevent this try not to stay too long out in the cold, don’t breath through your mouth.
Micro fractures can eventually lead to obvious tooth fracture.
From all the increased sports and physical activities done in the quest to keep warm, ensure to protect your teeth from breaking by wearing protective face shields and or mouth guards. Injury to teeth commonly occurs during sports time.
A few tips to follow this winter
•    Brush while you shower or bath – this is ideal for those who have to endure cold showers in winter, this will prevent you from having to be in contact with cold water again after your shower. If you eat after brushing be sure to rinse your mouth and floss to reduce amount of food particles left in your mouth, as these would be good feeding ground for the germs in our mouths.
•    Chew sugar-free gum – After eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic it can take about thirty minutes or even more for your mouth to return to its natural state. Chewing sugar-free gum encourages saliva production which helps this happen quicker, it also means you have fresh breath!
•    Don’t rinse, spit! – After you have brushed your teeth rinsing your mouth out with water can rinse away the protective fluoride from your toothpaste. Don’t rinse, just spit to make sure you get the full benefit and bring a smile to your face.
In ending our reading for today we have all heard the saying that Zambian females love presents, for each holiday and event in the country.
They’ll say “honey what you are getting me for valentines, Easter, Labour Day etc and this time around with elections around the corner a toothbrush would make a good present.
A toothbrush will make a great present as after all the sugary foods and sweetened beverages taken during the winter can cause a nightmare in our mouths.
A toothbrush is a good way to fight back, helping remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
So get her that tooth brush and next time you decide not to brush your teeth this winter remember the germs in your mouth will be more than happy to receive their better half.
So brush your teeth after all you’ll only be in contact with that cold water for about two minutes.

Comments: nzamai@yahoo.co.uk