Why Denture Wearers Need to Prepare for Winter
Winter isn’t just hard on your skin and joints; it can affect your dentures too. Cold air, dry indoor heating, and dietary changes can all create issues like sore spots, slipping, or increased brittleness in your appliance.
At Future Smiles, we often see more patients during colder months with discomfort, cracked dentures, or sore gums. The good news? Most of these issues can be prevented or corrected with simple seasonal care and a proactive check-in with your denturist.
1. Watch for Dry Mouth from Indoor Heating
Furnaces and heaters dry out the air, which can dry out your mouth. Denture wearers are more prone to dry mouth, which increases the risk of irritation, friction, and bad breath.
Tips:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Use a humidifier at home
- Rinse with non-alcoholic mouthwash or water after meals
If dryness persists, we can suggest saliva substitutes or check for friction points in your denture.
2. Be Cautious with Cold and Crunchy Foods
Winter comfort food is great, but be careful with hard or sticky treats, especially around the holidays. Cold, brittle dentures can be more prone to cracking if you bite into hard foods too aggressively.
Avoid:
- Frozen candy
- Hard nuts
- Over-toasted bread or crusty buns
- Chewing ice
Schedule a denture fit check to make sure your bite is even and stress isn’t being placed on weak areas.
3. Don’t Ignore Sore Spots or Looseness
Winter tends to make people delay appointments—but don’t wait on denture pain. What starts as mild irritation can turn into ulcers or tissue damage.
Common winter complaints we treat:
- Pressure points from shifting dentures
- Increased soreness from gum shrinkage
- Relines needed due to subtle fit changes
At Future Smiles, we offer soft relines, adjustments, and repairs to relieve pain quickly, often same day.
4. Store Your Dentures Safely in Cold Months
Extreme cold (especially in garages or vehicles) can warp or crack your dentures. Always store them indoors, away from temperature swings, and never use hot water to clean or soak them.
Pro tip:
Keep your backup denture (if you have one) in a separate safe place in case of emergency damage over the holidays.
Stay Comfortable All Winter With Support From Future Smiles
Denture discomfort doesn't need to be part of your winter routine. Whether you’re dealing with dry mouth, sore spots, or a cracked appliance, Future Smiles Denture Clinic is here to help.
We offer fit checks, relines, and repairs at both of our Calgary locations—with same-day solutions whenever possible.
Contact us today to book your winter denture care visit and keep your smile protected all season long.
FAQs
Q: Can winter weather really affect dentures?
A: Yes, dry air, temperature swings, and changes in diet can lead to irritation, looseness, or even cracking. Experiencing issues? Contact Future Smiles Denture Clinic today and we can help with fit checks, relines or repairs.
Q: Why do my dentures feel drier or more irritating in winter?
A: Indoor heating reduces humidity and causes dry mouth, which can make dentures feel rough or cause sore spots.
Q: What foods should I avoid in colder months?
A: Hard, frozen, or sticky foods can crack or damage your dentures, especially when they're colder than usual.
