When cold and flu season hits, most of us focus on getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking medicine to feel better. However, many people don’t realize that being sick can take a serious toll on their oral health. Understanding how illness affects your teeth and gums can help you maintain better dental care during cold and flu season while you recover.
How Being Sick Impacts Your Mouth
Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. When you’re fighting off a cold or flu, several factors can compromise your dental health. Dehydration and dry mouth are common issues when you’re ill, especially if you’re running a fever or breathing through your mouth due to congestion. Saliva production naturally decreases when you’re sick, which is problematic because saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away harmful bacteria.
Mouth breathing, which often happens when your nose is congested, dries out your mouth even further. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath when sick and potentially increasing your risk for cavities and gum problems. Additionally, sinus pressure from congestion can sometimes cause tooth pain or sensitivity, making your entire mouth feel uncomfortable.
The Hidden Dangers of Cold and Flu Remedies
While medications help you feel better, they can be tough on your teeth. Many cough drops and lozenges contain high amounts of sugar that coat your teeth and feed harmful bacteria. Cough syrup and other liquid medicines often contain sugar and citric acid that can contribute to acid erosion and enamel damage over time.
To protect your oral health when sick, consider these alternatives:
- Choose sugar-free lozenges when possible
- Rinse your mouth with water after taking liquid medicine
- Read labels and select products with lower sugar content
- Avoid keeping cough drops in your mouth for extended periods
Should I Brush My Teeth After Throwing Up?
This is one of the most common questions about protecting teeth when sick. If you’re dealing with vomiting, your instinct might be to brush immediately. However, you should wait to brush after vomiting—ideally for at least 30 minutes. Stomach acid is extremely harsh and temporarily softens your tooth enamel. Brushing right away can actually spread that acid around and cause more enamel damage.
Instead, try these steps:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water
- Use a saltwater rinse or a baking soda rinse to help neutralize the acid
- Wait at least 30 minutes before gentle brushing
- Consider chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
How to Take Care of Your Teeth When You Have the Flu
Maintaining good dental care during cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips:
Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel like it. This helps combat dry mouth and keeps saliva flowing. When you do brush, practice gentle brushing techniques since your gums may be more sensitive when you’re sick.
Replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better—typically after about a week of illness. While reinfecting yourself with the same cold or flu is unlikely, starting fresh is a good hygiene practice.
When to See Your Dentist
Most oral health issues related to being sick resolve on their own. However, if you experience persistent tooth pain, severe sensitivity, or notice any damage to your teeth, contact Dr. Aaron Jeziorski at Acacia Dental. If you develop a dental emergency while you’re sick, such as a cracked tooth or severe pain, don’t wait to seek treatment.
Taking care of your oral health when sick might require a few extra steps, but your teeth will thank you once you’ve recovered. If you have concerns about how illness has affected your dental health, call Acacia Dental at (480) 485-3971 to schedule an appointment.