When cold and flu season arrives, most of us focus on getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and recovering as quickly as possible. However, many people don’t realize that being sick can significantly impact their oral health. At Family, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Fadi Raffoul wants you to understand how illness affects your teeth and what steps you can take to maintain good dental care during cold and flu season.
How Being Sick Takes a Toll on Your Teeth
Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. When you’re battling a cold or flu, several factors can compromise your dental health. Dehydration is one of the primary culprits, as it reduces saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system, washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids that attack tooth enamel.
Dry mouth is another common issue when you’re ill. Whether from mouth breathing due to congestion, certain medications, or simply not drinking enough fluids, dry mouth creates an environment where bacteria thrive. This can lead to bad breath when sick and increases your risk for cavities and gum disease.
Sinus pressure and congestion often force us to breathe through our mouths, especially while sleeping. This mouth breathing dries out oral tissues and can leave you waking up with an uncomfortable, parched feeling and increased bacterial growth.
The Hidden Dangers of Common Cold and Flu Remedies
While medications help you feel better, they can pose challenges for protecting teeth when sick. Many cough drops contain high amounts of sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. Opt for sugar-free lozenges whenever possible to minimize this risk.
Cough syrup and other liquid medicines often contain sugar and are acidic, creating a double threat to your enamel. If you must take these medications, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward, and never brush immediately after consuming acidic substances.
Vomiting and Your Teeth: What You Need to Know
Should I brush my teeth after throwing up? This is one of the most important questions about oral health when sick. While your instinct might be to brush immediately, resist the urge. Vomiting exposes your teeth to stomach acid, which temporarily softens your enamel. Brushing right away can cause enamel damage and acid erosion.
Instead, wait to brush after vomiting for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, try a baking soda rinse or a saltwater rinse to neutralize acids and freshen your mouth. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water, swish gently, and spit. This helps restore your mouth’s pH balance without harming vulnerable enamel.
Essential Tips for How to Take Care of Your Teeth When You Have the Flu
Protecting your oral health when sick requires some adjustments to your normal routine:
– Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, even when you don’t feel like it
– Practice gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating sensitive tissues
– Continue flossing daily, as bacteria don’t take sick days
– Use alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid further drying out your mouth
– Keep sugar-free gum handy to stimulate saliva production
– Replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better to avoid reinfecting yourself
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience severe tooth pain, a dental abscess, or damage to existing dental work while sick, don’t wait. Contact our emergency dental service at 813-684-7888. Some dental issues require immediate attention, regardless of other illnesses.
Once you’ve recovered, schedule a professional teeth cleaning to remove any buildup that accumulated during your illness and ensure your oral health is back on track.
Keeping up with dental care during cold and flu season might not be your top priority when you’re feeling miserable, but these simple steps can prevent complications that last long after your symptoms disappear. Dr. Fadi Raffoul and our team at Family, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry are here to support your oral health year-round, including during those challenging sick days.
