Fall and winter ailments – from joint pain to dental problems and gingivitis 

Autumn weather often brings sudden changes in weather, which can lead to a decline in health. We experience a decline in our well-being, but that's not all. Sometimes the worst symptoms are pain of various origins, such as joint pain or tooth and gum problems in both the elderly and young. This article explains their possible causes and how to deal with them.

Why do joints hurt in autumn?

Joint pain can have various causes. Autumn weather, with its higher humidity and often lower blood pressure, causes tendons, muscles, and other tissues around joints to dilate. This increases the amount of synovial fluid, causing swelling. This, in turn, causes pressure on joints and nerves. Low vitamin D3 levels during this period can also play a significant role, or worse, they can be a symptom of rheumatic disease, or indicate degenerative joint changes or osteoporosis. Pain can be linked to previous injuries and contusions, as well as joint overuse or being overweight. Very unpleasant joint pain can also often accompany the flu.

What to use for joint pain?

One way to combat joint pain and stiffness is physical activity. Movement (i.e., appropriately selected physical exercises) activates muscles, which in turn activate blood vessels. Proper blood circulation affects the oxygenation and function of joints.

Warm baths and a hot water bottle can be helpful. The increased temperature dilates blood vessels, which in turn relaxes muscles and alleviates pain. Alternating hot and cold compresses on the painful areas can also provide relief

Joint pain can also be relieved with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as topical preparations such as ointments and gels.

How to prevent joint problems?

Autumn pain can be prevented, but you need to remember a few important rules:

1. Maintaining a healthy body weight
2. Regular physical exercise, including joint stretching exercises
3. A healthy balanced diet
4. Enriching your diet with vitamin D and calcium
5. Hydration of the body
6. Rest
7. The right amount of sleep
8. Clothing adapted to weather conditions

Joint pain can signal serious illnesses. Therefore, if your joints hurt, swell, or stiffen, don't delay seeing a doctor. Consultation with a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedist, is essential.

Teeth and gum problems when the weather changes

Sudden and unpredictable weather changes can affect not only our well-being but also our health, including our oral health. Autumn brings with it a fluctuating weather, so it's worth knowing how to care for your teeth and gums at this time of year.

Tooth sensitivity, gum infections, excessive dry mouth and canker sores are just some of the problems that appear or worsen in the fall season.

Tooth hypersensitivity

Tooth hypersensitivity causes a sharp pain that can occur when eating and drinking, but also with changes in ambient temperature. It may also be felt when going outside or breathing cold air. In such cases, it's worth using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush. A visit to the dentist, who will prescribe appropriate desensitizing products, can be helpful. To prevent this condition, you can opt for preventative treatments such as scaling and sandblasting. Drinking straws can be helpful in everyday life, as they minimize contact between teeth and beverages.

Gum infections, i.e. gingivitis, abscesses

Gum infections in the fall are a consequence of a weakened immune system. This is especially important during pregnancy, with a tendency toward periodontal disease, and in cases of smoking. In cases of inflammation or a gum abscess, a visit to the dentist is necessary. Prevention, on the other hand, includes proper oral hygiene, including brushing after every meal, regular flossing, and professional dental care to remove tartar buildup.

Dry mouth

This feeling of dryness in the throat lining is often caused by breathing dry air. It also occurs with a cold or flu, and can also be a side effect of certain medications. During the fall and winter months, it's worth ensuring the air is humidified in rooms we spend long periods in. Drinking water, preferably sugar-free, is key.

Aphthae

Redness and painful lesions can appear individually or in groups on the mucous membranes of the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, soft palate, and even the throat. They are painful and cause significant discomfort. To protect against them, avoid local trauma to the oral mucosa and maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin D and other vitamin and mineral levels can also be checked, as canker sores can be caused by vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid deficiencies.

So how can you care for your teeth in the fall to maintain your oral health for as long as possible?   We asked our certified dental hygienist, Dorota Górecka, for the answer

We should take care of our teeth all year round! But especially in autumn and winter, it's worth remembering a few basic rules.

1. First, proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly (at least morning and evening), and clean the spaces between your teeth with dental floss.

2. Secondly, limit the consumption of excessively hot drinks and foods, which may aggravate hypersensitivity.

3. Another very important rule is to ensure appropriate air humidity in rooms where we stay for long periods.

4. Be careful with toothpastes and other teeth whitening products. Use them as needed, of course, but not without medical supervision. If tooth sensitivity persists for a longer period of time, remember to consult a dentist.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of regular dental hygiene visits, as healthy teeth and gums go hand in hand with maintaining overall well-being. Professional oral hygiene and preventative checkups at the dentist's office allow patients to significantly improve their quality of life while avoiding serious health complications.

Thank you for the interview