When cold and flu season arrives, most of us focus on getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated—but what about our teeth? Many people don’t realize that being sick can take a serious toll on oral health. Understanding how illness affects your teeth and taking steps to protect them can help you avoid additional dental problems while you’re recovering.
How Being Sick Impacts Your Oral Health
Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. When you’re battling a cold or flu, several factors can compromise your dental health. Dehydration is common during illness, which reduces saliva production and leads to dry mouth. Since saliva naturally washes away bacteria and neutralizes acids, having less of it creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive.
Mouth breathing is another concern when nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth. This further contributes to dry mouth and can lead to bad breath when sick. Additionally, sinus pressure from congestion can actually cause tooth pain in your upper teeth, making it feel like you have a toothache when it’s really just inflammation.
Protecting Teeth When Sick: What You Need to Know
Dental care during cold and flu season requires some adjustments to your normal routine. Here are key strategies for maintaining oral health when sick:
Address Vomiting Carefully
If you’re dealing with stomach flu or severe coughing that causes vomiting, acid erosion becomes a major concern. Stomach acid is incredibly harsh on tooth enamel. You might ask, “Should I brush my teeth after throwing up?” Surprisingly, the answer is to wait. You should wait to brush after vomiting for at least 30 minutes because brushing immediately can actually spread the acid around and cause more enamel damage. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, a saltwater rinse, or a baking soda rinse to neutralize the acid first.
Be Smart About Medications
Many cold and flu remedies can impact your teeth. Cough syrup and other liquid medicines often contain sugar and are acidic, which can contribute to tooth decay. Cough drops, while soothing for your throat, are essentially candy that sits in your mouth for extended periods. Whenever possible, choose sugar-free lozenges to minimize the risk to your teeth.
Essential Tips for Oral Health When Sick
Taking care of your teeth when you have the flu doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these practical recommendations:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall recovery and your oral health. Stay hydrated to combat dry mouth and help maintain saliva production, which protects your teeth naturally.
Practice Gentle Brushing
Continue brushing twice daily, but use gentle brushing techniques if your gums are sensitive or if you’ve been vomiting. A soft-bristled toothbrush works best during illness.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself with lingering germs. This simple step helps ensure you don’t prolong your illness.
Rinse Regularly
Use a saltwater rinse or baking soda rinse several times daily to keep your mouth clean and neutralize acids, especially after being sick to your stomach.
When to See Your Dentist
If you experience persistent tooth pain, significant enamel damage, or any dental emergencies during your illness, don’t hesitate to contact Acacia Dental. Dr. Aaron Jeziorski and our team are here to help with any concerns about how illness affects your teeth.
Regular dental care is essential year-round. If cold and flu season has caused you to miss your routine checkup, call us at (480) 485-3971 or visit our dental office to schedule your next appointment. Protecting teeth when sick is just one part of maintaining excellent oral health for life.