Wildfire Smoke and Your Oral Health in Canada
Canada’s wildfire seasons have become longer and more intense. In 2023, more than 18 million hectares burned nationwide, and smoke impacted air quality across provinces for weeks. We often talk about lungs and heart during these events—but your mouth needs protection too. Here’s how smoke exposure can affect your teeth and gums, and the practical, Canadian-focused steps you can take to stay healthy.
Can wildfire smoke affect your oral health?
Yes. Wildfire smoke dries your mouth, inflames gums, and can worsen existing dental problems. Dry mouth lowers saliva, which protects teeth. On smoky days, hydrate, use sugar‑free xylitol gum, run a humidifier, and keep brushing and flossing—wear an N95.
Why smoke matters for your mouth
Wildfire smoke carries fine particles (PM2.5), gases, and irritating compounds. When you breathe in smoky air—especially if you mouth-breathe—your oral tissues can dry out and become inflamed. Less saliva means less natural protection for your teeth and gums.
“Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.” — World Health Organization
That same air can irritate your nose and throat, pushing some people to breathe through the mouth. Mouth breathing increases dryness, which makes cavity-causing acids tougher for saliva to buffer. Over time, that can raise the risk of decay and gum problems.
Common smoke-related oral issues
1) Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dryness is the big one. Saliva helps wash away food and neutralize acid. When it drops during smoke events, plaque bacteria thrive, enamel softens, and your breath can worsen. If you’ve noticed a sticky tongue, thicker saliva, bad breath, or a chalky taste on smoky days, that’s your cue to act. For a deeper dive on relief strategies, see our guide to dry mouth prevention.
2) Gum irritation and bleeding
Particles and irritants can inflame gum tissue, especially if you already have gingivitis. You might notice tender, puffy gums or a bit of bleeding when you floss. Keep your routine gentle but consistent; the answer is smarter care, not skipping care.
3) Mouth breathing and sensitivity
When nasal passages feel irritated, it’s common to mouth-breathe. That dries the enamel surface and gumline, sometimes making cold air and drinks feel extra sharp. If you use whitening products, you may also notice more sensitivity during smoky periods.
4) Bad breath
Dry mouth, thicker saliva, and plaque buildup often lead to halitosis. Add a coated tongue into the mix, and the odour can linger even after brushing. Simple fix: clean the tongue daily and support your saliva—more on that below and in our guide on preventing bad breath.
What Canadians can do on smoky days
1) Watch the AQHI (Air Quality Health Index)
Check your local AQHI via your provincial health site or Environment and Climate Change Canada. If the AQHI is high, plan more indoor time, reduce outdoor exercise, and use indoor air strategies.
2) Use clean, humidified air indoors
– Run a HEPA air purifier for the main living area and bedroom.
– Keep windows closed during peak smoke; open them only when AQHI improves.
– Use a cool-mist humidifier (aim for 40–50% humidity) to counteract dryness.
3) Support saliva all day
– Sip water often (carry a bottle—set reminders if needed).
– Chew sugar-free xylitol gum or suck xylitol lozenges to stimulate saliva.
– Switch to an alcohol-free mouth rinse (alcohol can worsen dryness).
– If dryness persists, ask your dentist about saliva substitutes or prescription-strength fluoride products that protect enamel. Learn more in our overview of saliva’s role.
4) Adjust your brushing routine (gently!)
– Brush twice daily with a soft or extra-soft brush.
– Choose a fluoride toothpaste; if you’re high risk for decay, ask about high-fluoride options.
– Clean your tongue daily with a scraper or the back of a soft brush.
– Floss once a day—water flossers are great if your gums are tender.
5) Rinse away smoke residue
After spending time outdoors in smoky air, rinse your mouth with plain water. If your dentist has recommended a gentle, alcohol-free rinse, use it as directed. Don’t scrub teeth immediately after acidic foods or drinks; wait 30 minutes.
6) Mask up when it’s thick
When AQHI is high or the air looks hazy, wear a properly fitted N95 or similar respirator outdoors. It won’t eliminate all particles, but it reduces overall exposure and dryness from mouth breathing.
Smart product picks for smoke season
Toothpaste
Use fluoride. If sensitivity flares, try a desensitizing formula with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Avoid high-abrasive pastes during dry spells.
Mouth rinses
Choose alcohol-free; look for fluoride or moisturizing rinses. If halitosis is stubborn, ask your dentist about a short course of an antimicrobial rinse.
Gum and lozenges
Pick sugar-free options sweetened with xylitol. These can help stimulate saliva and reduce cavity risk in a dry mouth.
Air care
Consider a HEPA purifier for the bedroom and main living space. A cool-mist humidifier helps, too—just clean it regularly to avoid mould.
Who’s at higher risk during smoky periods?
– People with chronic dry mouth (medications, Sjögren’s, cancer treatment)
– Kids and teens (higher snack frequency and developing habits)
– Adults with active gum disease or many restorations
– Seniors (more medications, less saliva, dexterity challenges)
– Anyone who mouth-breathes or snores
If you’re in these groups, schedule a quick preventive visit as smoke season kicks off. Your dental team can tailor a plan—extra cleanings, prescription fluoride, or a moisture-boosting routine—to keep you comfortable and protected.
Your daily “smoke-day” checklist
1) Morning: Brush, floss, clean your tongue, and drink water.
2) Daytime: Check AQHI; keep a bottle handy; use xylitol gum after snacks; limit sticky sweets.
3) Evening: Rinse after outdoor time; brush gently with fluoride paste; run the humidifier at night.
4) Any time: If your mouth feels parched, sip water and reach for sugar-free lozenges.
When to call your dentist
Reach out if you notice: persistent dry mouth, bleeding gums, sensitivity that’s getting worse, a coated tongue with lingering odour, or any mouth sores that don’t improve in two weeks. Quick, preventive tweaks now can save you from bigger problems later. If bad breath sticks around despite good care, this article on preventing bad breath covers additional step-by-step fixes.
Canada-specific tips
– Follow provincial air quality advisories and your local AQHI.
– If you play outdoor sports, consider an N95 to reduce smoke intake and a custom mouthguard to protect enamel during dry, high-exertion days.
– Keep a travel kit: foldable soft brush, travel-size fluoride paste, small water bottle, and a few sugar-free xylitol gums or lozenges.
Bottom line
Wildfire smoke can dry and irritate your mouth, raising the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath. You don’t need a complicated routine—just consistent, gentle care and smarter hydration, plus simple air-quality habits. If dryness or sensitivity persists, ask your dentist about a personalized plan, which may include a high-fluoride toothpaste, moisturizing rinses, or extra cleanings during peak smoke months. For everyday prevention strategies, see our practical guide to dry mouth relief and learn more about how saliva protects your teeth.
Conclusion
Wildfire smoke is a reality for many Canadians. The good news: small, steady steps—hydration, fluoride, gentle brushing, xylitol, cleaner indoor air, and masking outdoors when it’s smoky—go a long way. Pair these with regular dental checkups and a tailored plan if you’re prone to dryness or gum trouble. Protect your mouth now, and you’ll feel the difference long after the smoke clears.
FAQ
Does wildfire smoke stain teeth?
Not typically. Smoke exposure itself doesn’t usually stain like coffee or tobacco, but dry mouth can increase plaque buildup, which may look dull or yellow. Keep brushing, clean your tongue, and schedule routine cleanings.
Should I wear a mask to protect my mouth on smoky days?
Yes. A well-fitted N95 reduces particle exposure and helps you avoid mouth breathing, which dries tissues. It’s not perfect, but it’s a practical layer of protection when AQHI is high.
Can PM2.5 make gum disease worse?
It may contribute to inflammation, and dry mouth can amplify plaque growth. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, be extra consistent with gentle brushing and interdental cleaning, and keep your scheduled cleanings.
What’s the best oral-care routine on high AQHI days?
Hydrate often; use sugar-free xylitol gum; brush twice daily with fluoride; clean the tongue; floss once daily; run a HEPA purifier and a cool-mist humidifier; and rinse your mouth with water after outdoor exposure.
Do air purifiers help my mouth, or only my lungs?
They help both. Cleaner indoor air reduces irritation and mouth breathing, so your saliva can do its job. Pair a HEPA purifier with a humidifier set around 40–50% humidity.
When should I see a dentist after heavy smoke exposure?
If dry mouth, gum bleeding, or sensitivity persists beyond a week despite better hydration and care, book a visit. A dentist can add targeted treatments (like prescription fluoride) and check for early decay or gum problems.
