When you come down with a cold or the flu, the symptoms can put your whole life on hold. Treating your sore throat, persistent cough, or runny nose can quickly become top priority. However, do you know how your favorite go-to remedies impacts the health of your smile? You may be unwittingly hurting your oral health as you treat your sickness! Your Fort Worth dentist explains how to protect your teeth and gums while you’re under the weather.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy & Clean
Resting is a key part of any recovery period, but don’t let it stop you from practicing great oral hygiene! Since there’s more bacteria in your mouth when you’re sick, you’re at a greater risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. If you have a cold or the flu, be sure to:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Use mouthwash and dental floss regularly.
- Throw out your toothbrush once you’re feeling better.
Fight Cavities and Your Sickness
While modern medicines come in a wide variety of flavors like cinnamon, watermelon, and cupcake, they’re often brimming with sugar. This is especially a problem when it comes to long-lasting throat lozenges and sticky cough syrups, which coat your teeth in a layer of sugar. The increased number of bacteria in your mouth will quickly use these sugars to burn through your enamel and attack your gum tissue. To prevent tooth decay, drink water after taking these medications or try sugar-free alternatives.
Drink Water with Decongestants
Saliva works to naturally clear away any lingering particles in your mouth before they can accumulate. This means that a dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Unfortunately, both nasal congestion and the medication used to treat it can cause a reduction in saliva. To wash away the accumulating bacteria before they can cause damage, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated the Right Way
Several beverages can help treat your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. For instance, many people drink hot tea to soothe a sore throat or orange juice to boost their immune system. Unfortunately, these are both highly acidic beverages that quickly soften tooth enamel and encourage discoloration. To enjoy them safely, try:
- Using a straw to drink them.
- Finishing them in a short amount of time.
- Drinking plenty of water afterwards.
The next time you start to feel sick, don’t forget your oral health. These simple tips from your dentist near Primrose can keep your smile happy as you get healthier.
About the Author
Our talented staff at Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail in Fort Worth, TX is dedicated to providing both quality dental care and excellent customer service. Dr. Anil Patel has completed over 250 hours of continuing education to stay current with the latest dental techniques and technology. Whatever oral health issue you’re facing, he has the years of experience, advanced training, and natural skill needed to keep your smile healthy and happy for years to come. To learn more, feel free to contact him via his website or at (817) 717-6788.