Monsoon with your smile, how humidity affects oral hygiene.

Monsoon season, the one we enjoy-rain, which we all adore. The season brings cool breezes, cloudy skies, and a welcome relief from the heat along with refreshing showers and a drop in humidity. But while we enjoy the rain, many of us are unaware of how this season affects our skin, hair, and immunity; more importantly, it affects our oral hygiene. The rise in humidity levels during the monsoon creates a perfect environment for germs and bacteria to grow, especially in our mouths.

Unbelievably, humidity can affect your dental health, if left unchecked, can weaken your smile. However, during monsoon, humidity levels in the air can rise 90% or more in many parts across India. According to 2023 report from the Indian Dental Association, our mouths already have over 700 kinds of bacteria, and in humidity, they grow even more, which can cause bad breath, bleeding gums, and toothaches during monsoons.

Major issue in monsoon is that people tend to drink less water. We don’t feel particularly thirsty because of the cool weather. But less water means less saliva in the mouth. Saliva is important because it keeps mouth clean and fights bacteria. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), saliva production can drop by 20-30% when water intake decreases by just 1 litre daily, which is very common in monsoon, making it easier for germs to grow.

Another big problem is food. Monsoon often brings cravings for hot, sweet, and spicy fried snacks like jalebis, pakoras, and chai. These foods loaded with sugar and starch. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid, which weakens the enamel outer layer of the teeth. This causes tooth damage and pain. Dental surveys show that monsoon cavity complaints rise by 20%.

Humidity also increases the chances of fungal infections in the mouth, such as oral thrush. This infection causes white patches inside the mouth, common in people with diabetes, weak immunity, or those wearing dentures. An AIIMS Delhi 2022 study showed an 18% increase in such infections during June- September monsoon.

The refreshing rains of the monsoon bring joy to the soul but secretly create trouble for your oral health.

Here some easy oral care tips for monsoon:

• Brush twice a day.
• Drink 6–8 glasses of water to maintain saliva flow.
• Use a tongue cleaner to reduce bacterial accumulation.
• Avoid too many sweets and snacks.
• Rinse your mouth after meals.
• Visit your dentist for a monsoon check-up.

Your smile is your best accessory. This monsoon Keep it beautiful, healthy, and bright. While monsoon brings joy, it also brings challenges for your oral health. Don’t let this rainy season spoil your smile; just follow simple steps, and you can enjoy the rain without worrying about dental problems.

Stay aware, stay dry, and keep smiling through the storm!