Cold and flu season is here. You’ve stocked up on tissues, hand sanitizer, and comfort foods. But in all this preparation, you may have overlooked a crucial aspect of your health: your oral hygiene. The choices we make when we’re sick can have a surprising impact on our teeth and gums. Following a few simple tips to maintain a healthy smile during cold and flu season can ensure your dental health doesn’t suffer while your body recovers.
When you’re feeling under the weather, brushing your teeth might be the last thing on your mind. However, neglecting your oral care routine can cause problems that linger long after your cold or flu symptoms have disappeared. From sugary cough drops to the drying effects of certain medications, several factors can put your smile at risk. This overview provides practical advice to help you protect your teeth and gums, even when you’re not feeling your best.
Stay Hydrated To Combat Dry Mouth
When you have a stuffy nose, you tend to breathe through your mouth. This, combined with certain medications such as decongestants and antihistamines, can cause dry mouth. Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids produced by bacteria, and re-mineralize tooth enamel. Without enough saliva, you become more vulnerable to cavities. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dry mouth. Keeping a water bottle by your bedside is a great reminder to stay hydrated, even when you’re resting.
Choose Sugar-Free Medications
Many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, such as cough drops, lozenges, and liquid syrups, are packed with sugar. Sucking on sugary cough drops all day might help your sore throat, but it also creates the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. When shopping for remedies, always check the label, and opt for sugar-free versions whenever possible. Your teeth will thank you for making this small, thoughtful choice.
Rinse Your Mouth After Vomiting
Unfortunately, the flu can sometimes come with nausea and vomiting. While it’s an unpleasant topic, it’s important to know how to care for your teeth when you’re sick to your stomach.
Stomach acid is highly corrosive and can damage your tooth enamel. Your first instinct might be to brush your teeth immediately, but this can actually make things worse. That’s because brushing can scrub the harsh acids deeper into your enamel, causing more erosion. Instead, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or a mixture of water and a teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to give your enamel time to recover.
Don’t Share Your Toothbrush
This might seem obvious, but it’s a rule worth repeating, especially when you’re sick. Sharing a toothbrush can easily transfer cold and flu viruses, as well as the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Make sure everyone in your household has their own toothbrush and stores them separately to prevent cross-contamination. It’s a simple habit that promotes oral and overall health for your entire family.
Replace Your Toothbrush After Illness
It’s a great idea to replace your toothbrush once you’ve recovered from a cold or the flu. Germs and viruses can linger on the bristles for days, and you risk reinfecting yourself if you continue to use the same brush. Tossing your old toothbrush is a small price to pay to stay healthy. As a rule, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Maintain Your Brushing and Flossing Routine
Your energy levels are low when you’re sick, and sticking to your daily routine can feel like a monumental task. However, try your best to continue brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. Consistent care removes plaque buildup and prevents bacteria from multiplying in your mouth, which is especially important when your immune system is already working overtime to fight off an illness. If you feel too exhausted to stand at the sink, keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss on your nightstand as a reminder.
Gargle With Saltwater
A saltwater gargle is a time-tested remedy for a sore throat, but it also benefits your oral health. Gargling with warm saltwater can reduce inflammation in your gums, flush out bacteria, and ease discomfort from mouth sores that can sometimes accompany a viral illness. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out.
Eat Healthy Foods
When you’re sick, you might crave comfort foods, which are often high in sugar and carbohydrates. While it’s fine to indulge a little, try to incorporate smile-friendly foods into your diet as well.
Here are a few healthy options:
- Clear broths and soups: These are hydrating and easy on a sore throat.
- Yogurt: The probiotics in yogurt can support your immune system, but be sure to choose a low-sugar or plain variety.
- Fruits and vegetables: If you can tolerate them, vitamin-rich produce can help your body heal.
Eating a balanced diet supports your immune system and your dental health.
Schedule a Post-Illness Check-Up
It might be a good idea to schedule a dental check-up after you’re fully recovered, especially if you were sick for an extended period or were vomiting. A professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar that may have built up, and your dentist can check for signs of decay. Regular visits are a cornerstone of preventative dental care that keep your smile healthy year-round.
Better Health Starts With a Healthy Smile
Maintaining a healthy smile during cold and flu season is an important way to care for your whole body. Stay hydrated, choose sugar-free medications, and stick to your hygiene routine to protect your oral health and avoid long-term dental problems. Remember that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body.
If you’re looking for dental care in Albany, OR, reach out to Pinnacle Dental Associates. Our team is passionate about helping you and your family achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Contact us today to book your next appointment!