When you’re down with a cold or flu, brushing your teeth might be the last thing on your mind. However, does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. Understanding how illness affects your teeth can help you avoid turning a temporary sickness into long-term dental problems. At Spring Haven Dental, Dr. Fadi Raffoul, DMD, wants you to know that maintaining good dental care during cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated—even when you’re feeling your worst.
How Being Sick Impacts Your Mouth
When you’re under the weather, several factors can compromise your oral health when sick:
Dehydration and Dry Mouth
Fever, sweating, and decreased fluid intake lead to dehydration, which reduces saliva production. Dry mouth creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive since saliva normally helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. This can lead to bad breath when sick and an increased risk of cavities.
Mouth Breathing
Congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, further drying out oral tissues and contributing to dry mouth. This constant airflow evaporates moisture and disrupts your mouth’s natural protective mechanisms.
Acid Erosion from Vomiting
Stomach flu or severe coughing can lead to vomiting, which exposes your teeth to harsh stomach acids. This acid erosion can soften and damage tooth enamel over time, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
Medications and Their Side Effects
Many medications, like cough syrup and liquid medicine, contain high sugar content. Even seemingly innocent cough drops often have sugar that coats your teeth. Opting for sugar-free lozenges is a smarter choice for protecting teeth when sick.
Essential Tips for Dental Care During Cold and Flu
Here’s how to take care of your teeth when you have the flu while focusing on recovery:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports saliva production and helps flush bacteria from your mouth. Water is especially important after taking liquid medicine or using cough drops.
Should I Brush My Teeth After Throwing Up?
Here’s an important tip: wait to brush after vomiting. Stomach acid temporarily softens enamel, and brushing immediately can cause enamel damage. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a baking soda rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water) to neutralize the acid. You can also use a saltwater rinse, which helps soothe irritated tissues. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Practice Gentle Brushing
When you do brush, use gentle brushing techniques with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Your gums may be more sensitive when you’re sick, and aggressive brushing could cause irritation, especially if dealing with sinus pressure.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself with lingering germs. This simple step is crucial for maintaining good oral health when sick and preventing relapse.
Choose Your Remedies Wisely
Select sugar-free lozenges over regular cough drops, and rinse your mouth with water after taking cough syrup or liquid medicine to minimize sugar exposure.
When to Contact Your Dentist
If you experience severe tooth pain, notice unusual sensitivity, or have concerns about enamel damage during your illness, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Spring Haven Dental offers emergency dental care for urgent situations.
Taking care of your oral health when sick doesn’t require superhuman effort—just a few mindful adjustments to your routine. Once you’re recovered, schedule a regular checkup to ensure your teeth weathered the storm without issues. Learn more about our comprehensive dental services or call us at (813) 448-6885 to book your appointment.
Remember, protecting teeth when sick is an investment in your long-term dental health. Even when you’re feeling lousy, your smile deserves attention!
