Cold and flu season don’t just take a toll on your body. They can also do damage to your gums and teeth. As you continue to fight the symptoms, there are some oral care steps you can take to get better faster and avoid negative side effects later on. Check out these oral care tips for cold and flu season, courtesy of your trusted family dentistry clinic in Michigan.
Beware Of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is very common around cold and flu season because people are forced to breathe through their mouths. If your nose is stopped up, you may have no choice but to breathe through your mouth. On top of that, dry mouth is a common side effect for anti-histamines and other medications you might take when you get a cold. Drink plenty of water, and eat foods that encourage saliva production. Keep in mind that your breath may be unpleasant throughout this process, so avoid speaking directly into people’s faces.
Use Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Tooth-decaying bacteria feed on sugar. That cough drop sitting in your mouth could easily speed up cavity development. Assuming that’s not a goal of yours, make sure the cough drops you buy are sugar free. These may not taste as good as their super-sweet counterparts, but they will be more effective and less damaging to your smile.
Brush And Floss Like Normal
When you’re sick, you don’t want to do much of anything. Basic hygiene routines become faint memories when all you want to do is sleep all day. Brushing and flossing will help you get rid of bad germs in your mouth, and it will make you feel better. The same can be said about taking a shower, washing your hair, and going through other routines like normal. It may take a little effort to achieve these tasks, but they will get you on the fast track to recovery.
Get A New Toothbrush When You’re Better
You should replace your toothbrush twice a year, as a general rule of thumb. In addition to routine replacements though, you should get a new toothbrush after you get better. Even if you use toothbrush cleaner to thoroughly remove germs in the bristles, your old toothbrush could get you sick again. It’s best to avoid the risk by getting a new toothbrush for your newly clean mouth.
