4 Reasons We Get 'Heatwave Teeth' (And What To Do About It)

Heatwaves wreak havoc on everything from our mood to our gardens.

And now, it seems, they might affect our teeth too (oh, good). 

Following hot spell after relentless hot spell in the UK, Dr Pippa Nicholls, a dentist and the founder of Dimples, said four heatwave-related habits could end up leaving us more cavity-prone. 

With a predicted sixth heatwave possibly on its unwelcome way, here’s what those risk factors are, as well as what we can do about them: 

1) Dehydration 

The issue: Dr Nicholls told us that when we’re dehydrated, our mouths produce less saliva. 

And that can have a serious knock-on effect on our teeth, as the fluid “plays a crucial role in protecting our teeth by neutralising acids, washing away food, and helping to remineralise enamel.” 

Therefore, the dentist said, “Less saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum problems.” 

During a heatwave, we use a lot more water than usual, so dehydration is more likely. Some estimate that 70-80% of people start their day in a state of dehydration during a hot spell.

The fix: This one’s pretty simple – “Keep water close by throughout the day (and night!) and try electrolytes to help for an extra boost,” said Dr Nicholls.

2) An interrupted sleep routine 

The issue: Anyone who’s sweated through a “tropical night” will know how badly hot temps can mess up your usual routine. In fact, June’s sweltering heatwave is believed to have led to mass sleep deprivation this year.

That might affect your dental hygiene, Dr Nicholls suggested. “When we’re tired, our routines are the first thing to slip. Saliva production naturally drops while we sleep, so going to bed without properly cleaning your teeth leaves them far more vulnerable overnight.” 

The fix: “Even on the hottest nights, two minutes morning and evening with a remineralising hydroxyapatite toothpaste will keep you smiling,” the dentist said.

3) Sneaky sugar fixes

The issue: Why is it that so many cooling foods – ice cream, a cool can of fizzy drink – are laden with sugar?

As the dentist said, “Iced coffees, lollies, and cold sugary drinks are brilliant for cooling us down, but they do increase acid attacks on our enamel, and sipping or grazing throughout the day is the worst thing you can do for your teeth.”

The fix: Happily, Dr Nicholls isn’t asking us to give up our treats entirely.

But do “Try to enjoy them in one sitting at the end of a meal when saliva flow is at its highest, and always wait around 30 minutes before brushing afterwards so you’re not scrubbing softened enamel,” she advised.

4) Heatwave stress

The issue: We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about “heatwave anxiety”. But higher temps can make us irritable and tired too. 

“Heatwaves breed tension, often without our realising it, and many of my patients clench or grind more during periods of poor sleep and stress,” the expert told us. 

That can lead to a painful jaw and worn-down, or even broken, teeth.

The fix: “My biggest piece of advice is to prioritise winding down before bed,” ended the dentist. 

“Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation all help shift your body into a calmer state before sleep, which can really make a difference in clenching overnight.”