Cold and flu season can leave you feeling miserable, but did you know that being sick can also take a toll on your smile? Understanding how illness affects your teeth and taking proper care of your oral health while you’re sick can help you avoid additional dental problems.
How Being Sick Impacts Your Oral Health
When you’re battling a cold or flu, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to dental issues. Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. Several factors come into play that can compromise your dental health during illness.
Dehydration is one of the biggest culprits. When you’re sick, you may not drink enough fluids, leading to reduced saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system, washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids. Without adequate saliva, you’re at higher risk for cavities and gum disease.
Dry mouth goes hand-in-hand with dehydration and certain medications. This uncomfortable condition creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, mouth breathing when you’re congested further dries out your mouth and can contribute to bad breath when sick.
Sinus pressure can even make your upper teeth ache, as the roots of these teeth sit close to your sinus cavities. This is typically temporary and resolves when your sinuses clear.
The Vomiting and Acid Problem
If your illness involves vomiting, your teeth face exposure to stomach acid, which can cause significant enamel damage. This acid erosion weakens your tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Should I brush my teeth after throwing up? This is a common question, and the answer might surprise you. It’s best to wait to brush after vomiting. Brushing immediately can actually spread the acid around and cause more damage to already-softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water first, or try a baking soda rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water) to neutralize the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, and when you do, practice gentle brushing.
Protecting Teeth When Sick: Medications and Remedies
Many cold and flu remedies can harm your teeth. Cough drops, cough syrup, and liquid medicine often contain high amounts of sugar that feed bacteria in your mouth. Whenever possible, choose sugar-free lozenges and rinse your mouth with water after taking any medication.
Dental Care During Cold and Flu Season
How to take care of your teeth when you have the flu requires a bit of extra attention. Here are some essential tips:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial. Stay hydrated to maintain healthy saliva production and flush away bacteria and food particles.
Use Rinses
A saltwater rinse can soothe a sore throat while also reducing bacteria in your mouth. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish for 30 seconds.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush immediately. Bacteria and viruses can linger on bristles and potentially re-infect you or others.
Maintain Your Routine
Even when you feel terrible, try to stick to your oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent additional problems.
When to See Dr. Marsh
If you experience severe tooth pain, a dental abscess, or damage to a tooth during your illness, don’t wait. Contact My Family Dentist at (928) 282-3246 for a dental emergency appointment.
Once you’ve recovered, schedule a professional cleaning to ensure your mouth is healthy and to address any issues that may have developed while you were sick. Our team at My Family Dentist in Sedona is here to help you maintain optimal oral health year-round, even during cold and flu season.
