The holidays are an exciting time of the year, but at the same time, we are also in the height of flu season. When you’re not feeling your best, it’s easy to let your oral hygiene routine fall by the wayside. Your dentist has some simple flu season tips to help you protect both your health and your oral health.
Don’t Forget to Brush
Along with sickness comes exhaustion; however, it is essential to follow your normal routine and keep brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
Beware of Sugary Medicines
You may be surprised to find that over-the-counter medicines or cough drops are often loaded with sugar. Cough drops linger in your mouth as you suck on them, so be sure to find sugar-free lozenges and medicine. If your medication is not sugar-free, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse shortly after taking them.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking liquids help to eliminate your illness when you’re sick, but did you know that it’s also beneficial for your mouth? Since it is difficult to breathe through your nose when you are congested, dry mouth is very common when you’re sick.
Your mouth becomes susceptible to the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay when you’re sick because saliva plays an integral role in controlling the bacteria in your mouth.
Gargle with a Warm Salt-Water Rinse
Mix one tablespoon of table salt with eight ounces of warm water to create a warm salt-water rinse. Gargling with warm salt-water helps to reduce the harmful bacteria in your throat and the plaque in your mouth. Be sure to spit until all the solution is gone.
Get Rid of Your Old Toothbrush
When you feel better, be sure to throw your current toothbrush away, or change your brush head on your electric toothbrush. This will help you avoid reinfection due to bacteria or germs harbored in your old toothbrush.
If you have additional questions about protecting your oral health during flu season, your dentist is happy to answer them. Contact your dental office today for more information.
About the Author
Dr. Lily leads the team at Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team have a passion for working with children, and their goal is to ensure that your child has the best experience possible every time they visit our Garland, TX office.
First visits to the dentist are essential for setting your child up for success in the future, so it is our priority to help your son or daughter feel safe and welcome at the dentist.
If you would like to contact Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lily can be reached by calling 469-925-0861 or through our website.