As we move into winter and the holidays, we also move into cold and flu season. You may be doing everything that you can to stay healthy day to day, but are you working equally hard to maintain optimal oral health? Today, our Glendale dentists are sharing some tips on how to care for your smile when you’re not feeling well. Let’s get started!
- In general, drinking plenty of water will help both your whole-body health and your oral health when you are not feeling well. Dehydration is a very real threat when you’re sick, and this can cause you to suffer from dry mouth and an influx of oral bacteria.
- If you are battling a cold, you may notice post-nasal drip; this occurs when mucus from the nose drips down into the back of the patient’s throat. This can cause throat discomfort as well has malodorous breath. Gargling with salt water and mouthwashes can help to alleviate post-nasal drip, and your doctor more prescribe more potent rinses and saline solutions to incorporate into your routine.
- One common symptom of the flu is vomiting, which can be particularly hard on your smile. Take special care to rinse your mouth thoroughly while you’re ill, you don’t want acids from your stomach to coat your teeth for any longer than necessary.
- It may also be beneficial to brush your teeth more often than twice a day when you are sick. Some studies have shown that this can shorten the life-span of your cold.
As soon as you are feeling better, make a point to replace your toothbrush with a fresh and clean one. Remember that pathogens can take refuge in the bristles of the brush and lead to re-infection.
As always, our Glendale dentists are happy to answer any additional questions that you may have. So give us call to speak to a member of our team!