Importance Of Caring For Oral Health While Sick
We hope you and your family have had a wonderful start to 2024! Now that we are in the midst of the winter season and the holidays are over, many of our patients are enjoying cold-weather activities. One thing we definitely don’t enjoy is getting sick, something that seems to happen more frequently this time of year. Even when you aren’t feeling your best, it is important to continue to care for your oral health. Poor oral care can lead to issues with dental decay. Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy even when your body might not be:
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Even when you are under the weather, it is important to continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. It is important to clean off the bacteria lingering on your teeth, especially because you may be drinking sugary sodas, juices, or sports drinks to stay hydrated. If you have a stomach virus and are vomiting, be sure to brush your teeth after each episode. The acid in vomit can cause serious problems with your tooth enamel.
Replace Your Toothbrush
You may not be aware, but it is imperative that you replace your toothbrush after you have been sick. Harmful bacteria can linger on your toothbrush and lead to reinfection. Replace your toothbrush after every illness, even minor ones, like a cold.
Choose Sugar Free
If you need to use cough drops, it is important to choose a sugar-free option. Repeatedly sucking on sugar-filled cough drops leads to added sugar lingering on your teeth. The same is true if you are drinking soda or sports beverages.
Drink More Water
Hydration is important when you are sick and when recovering from an illness. Drinking water can also help with dry mouth, which happens when your mouth produces less saliva than normal. It can be caused by medication or mouth breathing when your nose is congested.
We kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling healthy and are concerned about the state of your oral health, or if it has been some time since your last visit, we encourage you to call our office in Cincinnati, OH to schedule an appointment. We wish you and your family health and wellness during the remainder of the winter season.
