When you’re sick everything is affected: your concentration, your appetite, your temperature, your skin, and even your oral health! Studies suggest that your oral health and overall health are closely related, and the wellbeing of one greatly impacts the other. Getting sick can put you at a much higher risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease, and the increased levels of bacteria can keep you from getting better quickly. As you take care of the rest of your body, pay attention to your mouth when you’re sick. Your dentist in Norman has the best tips for protecting your teeth while you stay healthy during the flu season.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
You’re supposed to have some bacteria in your mouth. This “good bacteria” helps break down food as you eat it, but “bad bacteria” can develop when you eat too many sugary foods. When you get sick, even more bacteria are introduced into your mouth, which can speed up the formation of cavities and intensity of gum disease. Keep your mouth as clean as you can while you’re sick by:
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes, even when you’re tired
- Use mouthwash to help clear out bad bacteria
- Throw out your toothbrush once you feel better to avoid reinfection
Fight Cavities and Your Cold
One of the best things you can do to fight off any kind of cold, sickness, or flu is to stay hydrated. If your body doesn’t have enough water, your immune system will have a more difficult time fighting off the infection and your internal systems won’t function as well. Staying hydrated also keeps your mouth healthy by cleaning out lingering plaque, hindering the growth of bacteria, and strengthening your enamel. Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re taking medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or painkillers that can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
As you check your medications for side effects like dry mouth, look at their sugar content. Most flavorful medicines will have large amounts of sugar. Swallowing cough syrup and letting cough drops dissolve in your mouth coats your teeth in a layer of sticky sugar that can quickly form cavities. When choosing which medicine to help you fight off your sickness, choose something that will help you fight off cavities too by using sugar-free medications when available.
Protect Your Teeth
A common and unfortunate side effect of some viruses is vomiting. You may be tempted to brush off that awful taste right away, but that would harm your teeth. The stomach acids that encounter your teeth when you vomit are very powerful, and if you brush too soon those acids can do more damage to your enamel. Instead, rinse out your mouth with water and wait to brush for at least 30 minutes.
Another well-tested defense against sickness is gargling saltwater. This is especially helpful for sore throats and sinus infections, where bacteria have built up in the back of your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with saltwater will clean out the bacteria, while the compounds in the salt help disinfect your mouth. Try dissolving a tablespoon of salt into a warm glass of water and gargling with it to clear out your tongue, gums, teeth, and throat.
If you get sick this season, take care of your body, including your mouth! Keep these tips in mind to protect your teeth while you fight off sickness.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is a cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist based in Norman, OK. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and holds an active membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is proud to help his patients build and maintain happy, healthy smiles all year long. If you’d like to know more about the article you just read, he can be contacted via his website or at (405) 364-2200.