Dentakay’s Advice on Seasonal Dental Care as Winter Finally Approaches
Following the UK’s unseasonably warm weather, the colder days are finally here and Europe’s leading dental clinic, Dentakay, is urging patients to take extra steps to protect their enamel and oral health during winter.
‘Dry indoor air, especially in heated environments, accelerates moisture loss from oral tissues and can reduce saliva flow,’ said Dr Gülay Akay, CEO and founder of Dentakay. ‘Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and delivering minerals like calcium and phosphate that help remineralize enamel.’
To combat winter dryness, Dr Akay recommends simple habits such as drinking plenty of water, using sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes that worsen dehydration. ‘We also advise rinsing after consuming sweets, pairing sugary foods with proteins like cheese or yogurt, and choosing xylitol-based gums to neutralize acids,’ she added.
According to Dr Akay, seasonal changes directly affect saliva, enamel, and sensitivity. ‘In winter, we focus on protecting enamel from sugary comfort foods and hot drinks, while in summer we focus on cold beverage habits and acid erosion.’ Hydration also plays a vital role: ‘Drinking water, eating water-rich foods like cucumber or melon, and using remineralizing toothpaste help maintain enamel integrity in dry indoor air.’
Temperature fluctuations are another hidden risk. ‘Rapid switching from hot coffee to ice water can cause micro-cracks in enamel over time, leading to sensitivity,’ said Dr Akay. She advises avoiding extreme temperatures, using anti-sensitivity toothpaste, and keeping up regular check-ups.
Dentakay also highlights how environmental and dietary factors interact. ‘Dry conditions reduce saliva flow, leading to bad breath, irritation, and higher cavity risk,’ Dr Akay said. ‘For those with restorations, dehydration doesn’t affect crowns or veneers themselves, but it can weaken the bonding interface if surrounding enamel becomes compromised. That’s why we always remind patients to treat restorations with the same care as natural teeth.’
Emerging technologies are also helping Dentakay monitor and manage enamel erosion. ‘Digital scanning allows us to detect early enamel wear invisible to the naked eye,’ said Dr Akay. ‘We also design personalized diet plans and offer sealer treatments that protect enamel from further damage.’
Dentakay, which operates clinics in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Riyadh, Tijuana and a consultancy in London, remains committed to patient education and preventative care. ‘Seasonal awareness is a key part of maintaining long-term oral health,’ Dr Akay concluded.
