Winter is normally the peak of cold and flu season – which means it’s important to make sure you’re ready in case you get sick! According to the CDC, most colds last between 7 and 10 days. During that time, you need to be diligent about taking care of your body, and that naturally includes your mouth. The following 4 tips will help you protect your oral health even while you’re constantly coughing and sneezing.
1. Look for Cough Drops and Cold Medications That are Sugar Free
A cough drop or some liquid medication could be just what you need to soothe a sore throat. However, some of these products contain sugars such as fructose. As you’re probably aware, exposure to sugar can significantly increase your risk for cavities; cough drops can be especially damaging since they remain in the mouth for a long time. Luckily, there are plenty of sugar-free lozenges and tablet medications to choose from. In fact, a sugar-free cough drop can actually be beneficial for your oral health because it boosts saliva production and prevents dry mouth (which is a common risk factor for many oral health issues).
2. Pick the Right Fluids
You’ve probably already heard that you need to drink plenty of fluids when you’re feeling under the weather. However, certain fluids will be better for your teeth (and your body overall) than others. Naturally, water is your best choice for staying hydrated; as an added benefit, it will help wash away the bacteria and acids that can eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Sugar-free sports drinks may also be an option if you need an energy boost. It’s okay to enjoy low-sugar juice as well, but be sure to follow it with water.
3. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Your dentist has been telling you to brush twice a day and floss daily ever since you were a child. Even if your cold leaves you feeling exhausted, you should be maintaining good oral hygiene at all times. (Incidentally, unless you have a compromised immune system, there’s typically no need to replace your toothbrush once you’re better.)
4. Pay Attention to the Side Effects of Your Medication
Some of the decongestants used to relieve a stuffy nose can dry out your mouth. A dry mouth means less saliva to help keep the mouth clean. To avoid this, drink plenty of water and suck on sugar-free candy. A humidifier or vaporizer might also help.
Talk to your dentist if you have any other concerns about your teeth while you’re sick; they can also provide preventive care that will make it easier to protect yourself from oral diseases. In general, you want to make sure your smile is getting plenty of attention even while you’re focusing on recovering from your illness.
About the Author
Dr. Eric L. Townsend is an active member of the Florida Dental Association and the Beaches Study Club, as well as many other professional dental organizations. This has allowed him to stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field, allowing him to provide Ponte Vedra Beach families with high-quality preventive care. If you’re worried about the effect a recent illness has had on your smile, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Townsend at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry by visiting his website or calling (904) 285-7711.