Caring for Your Mouth During the Cold and Flu Season
The holiday season is upon us, which also means a rise in people getting the cold and flu. If you find yourself sick and feeling under the weather, you may find that brushing your teeth actually makes you feel better. Brushing makes your mouth feel clean and fresh, and in a way, you start feeling like your health is starting to improve.
When you’re sick with the cold and flu, taking care of your body and restoring your health is a top priority — and that includes your mouth. While it’s important to take care of your dental health throughout the year, it is especially important when you’re sick.
Here are a few tips on caring for your mouth during the cold and flu season.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
When you’re feeling sick or under the weather, you can prevent others from getting sick by covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Remember to be intentional about keeping your mouth and toothbrush clean. It’s also a good idea to isolate your toothbrush to avoid getting your family sick, as well.
According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. The most important goal is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when you’re sick or feeling under the weather. It’s best to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick to avoid the chances of reinfecting yourself, especially if your immune system has recently been severely compromised. When in doubt, throw it out. If you’ve had your toothbrush for over three to four months, it’s time to replace it anyway.
Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops
When you’re at the pharmacy looking for cough drops to soothe your throat during coughing spells, be sure to read the label. Avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. Many cough drops contain sugar, which is a culprit when it comes to cavities, suppressed immune systems, and sore throats. The more time you suck on a sweet, sugary cough drop, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar and produce acid that leaves cavities in your teeth.
Gargle, Swish and Spit After You Vomit
Vomiting is an unfortunate side effect of the flu, especially the stomach flu. While you may be tempted to immediately brush your teeth, it’s actually better to gargle and swish with water to help wash the stomach acids away. One effective way to get rid of the stomach acids is to use a diluted mouth rinse of a mixture of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Brushing your tooth before doing so only causes the stomach acids to come in contact with your teeth and coat them.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated is very important when you’re sick, especially since it’s very easy to get a dry mouth when you’re feeling under the weather. A dry mouth puts you at greater risk for getting cavities. Cold and flu medications like antihistamines, pain relievers or decongestants can also cause mouth dryness, so staying hydrated and drinking lots of water and sucking on sugarless cough drops help to keep the saliva flowing.
Choose Healthy Fluids
When it comes to dental and body health, there is one beverage that is always best: water. While sports drinks are usually recommended to replenish electrolytes when you’re sick, it’s best to drink them in moderation and avoid making them your primary drink. Whenever possible, opt for sugar-free versions.
You may also find yourself wanting to drink something warm to soothe you. If you choose to drink tea during the cold and flu season, try not to add sugar or lemon if you can avoid it. Sugar fuels cavity-causing bacteria and lemon contains acid.
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Andrew Kim, DDS is an Escondido dentist providing advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!