When cold and flu season hits, most of us focus on getting rest, staying warm, and fighting off symptoms. However, many people don’t realize that being sick can take a serious toll on their oral health. Understanding how illness affects your teeth and knowing the right dental care during cold and flu season can help you maintain a healthy smile even when you’re under the weather.
How Being Sick Impacts Your Oral Health
Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. When you’re battling a cold or flu, several factors can compromise your dental health. Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns, as it directly reduces saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system, washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids that can harm your teeth and cause cavities.
Mouth breathing is another common issue when you’re congested. Breathing through your mouth all night dries out oral tissues and creates an environment where bacteria thrive, often leading to bad breath when sick. Additionally, sinus pressure can make your upper teeth feel sore or sensitive, which is completely normal but can be uncomfortable.
The Hidden Dangers of Common Cold Remedies
While medications help you feel better, many contain ingredients that aren’t great for protecting teeth when sick. Cough drops, even the medicinal kind, often contain high amounts of sugar that coat your teeth. Cough syrup and other liquid medicines can be equally problematic, as they’re typically acidic and sugary.
If you need to use these remedies, opt for sugar-free lozenges whenever possible. When taking liquid medicine, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward, and avoid letting it sit on your teeth for extended periods.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth When You Have the Flu
Maintaining good oral health when sick requires some adjustments to your normal routine:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps combat dry mouth and supports saliva production. Sip water throughout the day, especially if you’re feverish or taking medications that cause dryness.
Practice Gentle Brushing
Continue brushing twice daily, but use a soft-bristle brush and gentle brushing techniques if your gums feel sensitive or if sinus pressure is making your teeth uncomfortable.
Should I Brush My Teeth After Throwing Up?
If you’re dealing with stomach flu or vomiting, this is a crucial question. Don’t brush immediately after getting sick. Stomach acid causes significant acid erosion to your tooth enamel, and brushing right away can actually cause more enamel damage by spreading the acid around and scrubbing it into your teeth.
Instead, wait to brush after vomiting for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, use a saltwater rinse or a baking soda rinse to neutralize the acid and cleanse your mouth. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water, swish it around, and spit it out. This helps restore your mouth’s pH balance without harming vulnerable enamel.
Post-Illness Dental Care
Once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush immediately. Your toothbrush can harbor germs and bacteria from your illness, and using it could potentially reinfect you or spread germs to family members.
If you’ve experienced persistent vomiting, severe dry mouth, or haven’t been able to maintain your usual oral hygiene routine during your illness, consider scheduling a checkup with Dr. Priti Dagli, DDS, FICOI, at Plainsboro Dental Services. We can assess whether your illness caused any damage and help you get your oral health back on track.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
If you experience severe tooth pain, a dental abscess, or a dental emergency while you’re sick, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact our emergency dental service at 609-716-7100.
Taking care of your dental care during cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple adjustments to your routine, you can protect your smile while your body fights off illness.