Weather Warnings and Your Smile: Alfridah Kgabo Matse on Protecting Oral Health in South Africa Changing Climate

In South Africa, people are growing more accustomed to checking for weather alerts before heading out. These updates—whether about heatwaves, strong winds, cold fronts, or potential flooding—have become a normal part of daily life. And with the frequency of these warnings increasing, being prepared is no longer optional. But one aspect still flies under the radar: how weather affects your teeth and gums. Alfridah Kgabo Matse, one of South Africa’s most trusted dental professionals, is urging the public to consider oral health as part of their response to climate and weather-related changes.

Severe heat is one of the most commonly reported weather conditions in recent South Africa weather warning notices. But what many overlook is that extreme heat leads to dehydration—and when you're dehydrated, your mouth stops producing enough saliva. Saliva is more important than people realize. It’s the body’s natural way of cleaning the mouth, controlling bacteria, neutralizing acids, and protecting enamel. Without enough of it, you’re at risk of tooth decay, gum infections, and chronic bad breath. According to Alfridah Kgabo Matse, the best approach is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Not just when you feel thirsty. She also warns against sugary beverages, which dry the mouth out even more and feed cavity-causing bacteria. During periods of load-shedding or municipal water shortages, Matse suggests keeping sugar-free gum and a small bottle of fluoride rinse within easy reach to keep your oral hygiene on track.

Winter presents its own set of challenges. When cold fronts sweep through regions like Gauteng or the Western Cape, people often experience sudden dental pain or tooth sensitivity. That’s because the quick temperature changes can lead to micro-fractures in tooth enamel. These small cracks can expose nerves and lead to sharp, shooting pain when drinking something hot or cold. Alfridah Kgabo Matse advises using toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth and wrapping a scarf around the lower face to warm the air before it hits your teeth. She notes that if discomfort persists, it’s important to visit a dentist for a proper examination. Sensitivity might be an early sign of deeper dental problems.

Dust storms, though often seen as a minor inconvenience, can cause serious oral health issues. During windy and dry seasons, fine particles fill the air and easily settle on teeth, braces, or dentures. These particles can scratch enamel or lead to fungal infections such as thrush. It’s a risk most people don’t consider when reading a South Africa weather warning. Matse recommends wearing a KN95 mask outdoors on dusty days and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water when returning indoors. To reduce buildup, she also advises replacing your toothbrush every two weeks during dusty months, instead of the standard once a month.

Flooding, often listed in alerts during the rainy season, can have a dangerous effect on water quality. Floodwater may contaminate municipal supplies with harmful bacteria or chemicals. Brushing your teeth with this water can introduce those contaminants directly into the body. That’s why Alfridah Kgabo Matse urges households to avoid using tap water for oral care for at least 72 hours after a flood warning is issued. Boiled or bottled water should be used instead during this period. Even rinsing dental appliances or cleaning a toothbrush should be done with safe water.

To stay consistent with dental care even during these disruptions, Alfridah Kgabo Matse recommends putting together a basic emergency oral care kit. It should include a soft-bristled toothbrush, travel-sized fluoride rinse, floss picks, sugar-free gum, and a refillable bottle of clean water. These items can make a big difference when your daily routine is thrown off by bad weather, road closures, or power outages. Having a go-to kit ensures that your mouth stays clean, no matter what’s happening outside.

Common misconceptions can make things worse. For instance, some believe that barometric pressure—often mentioned in severe weather forecasts—can damage dental fillings. Matse explains that while changes in pressure can trigger sinus pain that feels like a toothache, they won’t harm dental work. Another widespread mistake is using rainwater to brush teeth. Unless filtered and boiled, rainwater, especially from the first flush, carries metals and pollutants that can be harmful.

As weather patterns continue to shift and extreme conditions become more frequent, Alfridah Kgabo Matse stresses the importance of adapting our health routines to match. Oral health, often treated as secondary, needs to be part of every family’s emergency planning—right alongside batteries, food supplies, and first aid kits. When you hear a South Africa weather warning, it’s a good time not only to check the windows and charge your phone—but also to check your dental essentials.

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