Oral Care Tips To Follow When You’re Sick

The time for cold and flu season is almost approaching! Even with our best efforts, falling sick can occasionally be unavoidable. The next time you become sick, there are a few extra precautions you should take with your smile.

Switch out your toothbrush

Since flu viruses may survive for up to 72 hours on a damp surface, your toothbrush is the perfect place for them to persist. While sharing a toothbrush is never a good idea, it is especially important to avoid doing so when you are unwell. It increases the likelihood that other family members will contract your illness if you keep your toothbrush next to theirs. It's a good idea to keep your toothbrush hidden from prying eyes and to replace it once you

Utilize sugarless cough drops.

A typical sweetener in cough drops is sugar. Most cough drops have sugar content similar to that of hard candies, even though they may help relieve scratchy throats. The more time cavity-causing bacteria have to fight the sugar that a cough drop delivers to the teeth, the longer it stays in your mouth. Additionally, it is advisable to stay away from cough drops that contain fructose and corn syrup, both of which are bad for your dental and general health. Use sugar-free cough drops the next time you have a sore throat to avoid developing tooth rot when you have a cold.

After vomiting, rinse your mouth.

Although it is common for people to immediately start brushing their teeth after throwing up, waiting is actually preferable. After you throw up, stomach acid is all over your teeth. Too soon after brushing your teeth, you risk smearing damaging stomach acids all over them. Swish and spit with water or diluted mouthwash rather than brushing right away. You can brush your teeth a half-hour after vomiting without getting sick.

Place hydration first.

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when battling an illness. Due to dehydration from vomiting or inadequate water intake, many patients suffer from dry mouth. Some drugs, including antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers, can cause a dry mouth as a side effect. Not only is this condition painful, but it also raises your risk of developing tooth decay. Increasing water consumption might help many people avoid developing dry mouth, especially if vomiting causes them to lose fluids. Gum chewing and sucking on sugar-free cough drops both work to increase salivation.

Ingest tooth-healthy liquids

When you're unwell, sports drinks are excellent at restoring your electrolytes. Water should still be your main beverage choice, though. There are more than 56 grams of sugar, or almost 14 teaspoons, in a typical 32 oz sports drink. Acidic and heavy in sugar, sports drinks. Tooth deterioration is a result of both traits. Sports drinks without sugar are a healthier choice to consume in moderation.

Keep Your Health During Flu Season!

When you are sick, it is easier to neglect routine tasks like brushing your teeth. To stop your sickness from harming your smile, maintain your dental hygiene regimen and bear in mind these tooth-healthy suggestions.