When you’re battling a cold or flu, dental care during cold and flu season probably isn’t at the top of your priority list. You’re focused on getting better, staying comfortable, and catching up on rest. However, understanding how illness affects your teeth can help you avoid additional problems that might require a visit to your dentist once you’ve recovered.
At Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry in Linwood, New Jersey, Dr. Khurrum S. Sheikh wants you to know that taking care of your teeth when you have the flu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some adjustments to your normal routine.
Understanding How Being Sick Affects Your Oral Health
Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. Several factors come into play when you’re fighting off a cold or flu.
First, dehydration and dry mouth are common side effects of illness. When you’re sick, you’re not drinking as much water, and your saliva production decreases. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria, helping to wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Without adequate saliva, bacteria can multiply more rapidly, leading to bad breath when sick and an increased risk of cavities.
Second, mouth breathing becomes necessary when your nose is congested. Unfortunately, breathing through your mouth dries out your oral tissues even more, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive.
The Hidden Dental Dangers of Common Remedies
Protecting teeth when sick means being mindful of the medications and remedies you’re using. Cough drops, cough syrup, and liquid medicine often contain high amounts of sugar. While they soothe your throat, they’re coating your teeth in sugar that bacteria feed on to produce acid.
Whenever possible, choose sugar-free lozenges. If you must use sugary medications, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize the exposure.
Special Concerns: Vomiting and Acid Erosion
If your illness involves vomiting, you face additional challenges to oral health when sick. Stomach acid is extremely harsh and can cause significant enamel damage and acid erosion when it comes into contact with your teeth.
“Should I brush my teeth after throwing up?” This is a common question, and the answer might surprise you. You should wait to brush after vomiting—ideally for at least 30 minutes. The acid temporarily softens your enamel, and brushing immediately can actually scrub away this weakened protective layer.
Instead, rinse your mouth with water first, then follow up with a baking soda rinse or a saltwater rinse. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda or salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This helps neutralize the acid and begins the process of restoring your mouth’s natural pH balance.
Practical Tips for How to Take Care of Your Teeth When You Have the Flu
Here are some straightforward strategies for maintaining oral health when sick:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dry mouth and support saliva production
- Practice gentle brushing: Your gums may be more sensitive when you’re sick, so use a soft-bristle brush and a gentle technique
- Replace your toothbrush: Once you’re feeling better, swap out your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself with lingering germs
- Use therapeutic rinses: A saltwater rinse can soothe irritated tissues and reduce bacteria
- Avoid sugary medications: Choose sugar-free options when available
- Maintain your routine: Even when exhausted, try to brush twice daily and floss once
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience severe tooth pain, a dental abscess, or significant damage during your illness, don’t wait to recover before seeking help. Contact Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at 609-619-1125 for guidance. We offer emergency dental services when unexpected situations arise.
Managing sinus pressure during a cold can sometimes make your upper teeth feel achy, but if the pain persists beyond your illness, it’s worth having Dr. Sheikh take a look to ensure nothing more serious is developing.
Remember, protecting your smile during cold and flu season is an important part of your overall recovery. With these simple adjustments, you can maintain good oral health even when you’re feeling under the weather.