Cold and flu season can leave you feeling miserable, but did you know that being sick can also take a toll on your teeth and gums? Understanding how illness affects your teeth and knowing the right steps for dental care during cold and flu can help you maintain your oral health when sick.

How Being Sick Impacts Your Oral Health

When you’re battling a cold or flu, your mouth becomes a battleground for bacteria. Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. Several factors come into play that can compromise your dental health during illness.

Dry Mouth and Dehydration

Illness often leads to dehydration, which reduces saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. When you’re dealing with dry mouth, bacteria multiply more rapidly, increasing your risk of cavities and bad breath when sick. The combination of fever, reduced fluid intake, and mouth breathing at night can significantly decrease moisture levels in your mouth.

Mouth Breathing

When congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, it dries out your oral tissues even more. This mouth breathing creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, potentially leading to gum inflammation and other oral health issues.

Acid Erosion and Vomiting

Stomach viruses that cause vomiting expose your teeth to harsh stomach acids, leading to enamel damage. This acid erosion weakens the protective outer layer of your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Many people wonder, “Should I brush my teeth after throwing up?” The answer might surprise you.

Protecting Teeth When Sick: Best Practices

Knowing how to take care of your teeth when you have the flu is essential for preventing long-term damage. Here are some crucial tips:

Wait to Brush After Vomiting

If you’ve been vomiting, resist the urge to brush immediately. The stomach acid temporarily softens your enamel, and brushing right away can actually cause more harm. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a baking soda rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water) to neutralize the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before gentle brushing.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall recovery and helps combat dry mouth. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, which helps maintain saliva production and flushes out bacteria. If you’re experiencing severe dehydration or dental pain, our emergency dental services are available to help.

Choose the Right Remedies

Many cold and flu treatments can harm your teeth. Cough drops and cough syrup often contain high amounts of sugar that coat your teeth. Opt for sugar-free lozenges when possible, and rinse your mouth with water after taking liquid medicine. If you must use sweetened products, try to brush your teeth shortly afterward.

Use a Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse can soothe sore throats while also helping to reduce bacteria in your mouth. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish gently several times a day.

Replace Toothbrush

Once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush immediately. Your old toothbrush can harbor germs and potentially reinfect you or prolong your illness.

When to See Your Dentist

If you notice persistent sinus pressure causing tooth pain, or if you’re concerned about enamel damage from frequent vomiting, contact Dr. Randall K. McVey, DMD, FAGD, at 620-275-9157. Our general dentistry services at Randall K. McVey, DMD, PA, can help address any oral health complications that arise during or after illness.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene during illness sets the foundation for long-term dental health. Even when you’re feeling your worst, a few simple adjustments to your routine can make all the difference in protecting your teeth when sick.