How to Protect Your Teeth During Cold and Flu Season

The winter months are the height of cold and flu season. If you or a family member end up sick with a cold or flu, there are some precautions you can take to help protect your teeth. Find out how to keep your teeth healthy during cold and flu season.  

Brush Twice Daily

Even when ill, continue to brush your teeth twice daily. When you’re sick and stuck in bed, it is relatively easy to forget to brush your teeth, so be sure to make it a priority each morning and night. Here’s a helpful guide on brushing your teeth if you need it! Don’t forget to floss if you can too. 

Hydrate

Hydration is vital when you are sick and also protects your teeth. Hydration and saliva help wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Some cold and flu medicines, such as decongestants, can dehydrate you, making dry mouth more common while sick, which is why it is extra important to hydrate as much as possible. Excessive dry mouth and the bacteria buildup it can cause can also lead to bad breath.  

Be sure to pick the proper fluids when hydrating too. Sports drinks are often a go-to for hydration when sick due to their electrolytes, but do not overdo it. They are often high in sugar, and it’s no secret that sugar is one of the main culprits of cavities. 

Choose Sugar-Free Medicine 

Not only are cold and flu medicines dehydrating, but like sports drinks, they are also often filled with sugar. Cough drops are especially notorious for being high in sugar. If you have an option for sugar-free medicines, choose them to help protect your teeth. If you do not have a sugar-free option, consider drinking water after taking the medication to help remove sugar from your mouth.  

Rinse Away Harmful Acids

Unfortunately, vomiting often occurs with the flu, which can be very acidic and harmful to your teeth. Before brushing your teeth, rinse or gargle a combination of water and baking soda. Eight ounces of water and one teaspoon baking soda will help remove acids before brushing your teeth. If you cannot do a rinse, wait approximately 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing immediately after vomiting can wear down your enamel due to the acids. 

Get a New Toothbrush

Replace your toothbrush when you are through the worst of your cold or flu. While it is unlikely you will reinfect yourself, you don’t want to continue using a toothbrush with germs on it as a precaution. It’s also important to remember to switch your toothbrush regularly every 3 to 4 months, so now is an excellent opportunity to do so if you’ve exceeded that period. 

Can a cold or flu cause your teeth to hurt? 

A cold or flu can cause your teeth to hurt. It does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your teeth. Tooth pain due to acute sinusitis is common due to mucus drainage down your throat. This drainage can sometimes cause your teeth, especially your upper rear teeth, to hurt while having a cold or flu. The pain can sometimes last longer than your sickness too. If the pain persists and you have any dental concerns after being sick, feel free to reach out to Fortson Dentistry. We are happy to help you with your dental needs. 

We hope you and your family stay healthy during the cold and flu season and don’t need these tips! If you or someone you know feels under the weather, we wish you a speedy recovery.