When you are battling the flu or a nasty cold, your teeth are probably the last things on your mind. Unfortunately, your behaviors while you are ill make the teeth extremely vulnerable to damage. Find out how you could be hurting your teeth so that you can take steps to keep them safe during this year’s cold and flu season.
SINUS INFLAMMATION
If you are stuffy due to a cold, your sinuses are probably killing you. The maxillary sinus if found right above the upper molars, and if this area is inflamed and congested, your teeth can even hurt. Relieving sinus congestion should help with this discomfort.
DRY MOUTH
Dry mouth is quite common when we are ill, as you will be breathing through your mouth more than usual due to your stuffy nose. Excessive coughing can also dry out the mouth, allowing the sugars to hang around on your teeth, leading to decay. Try to stay hydrated while recovering from a cold or the flu in order to protect your teeth.
ACIDIC BEVERAGES
If you are drinking a lot of orange juice for the potential vitamin C boost while you are ill, you could be damaging your teeth. These drinks are highly acidic, which can be a nightmare to the enamel of your teeth. Stick to water, or if you do choose to drink something else, be sure to rinse your mouth out afterwards.
SUGARY COLD MEDICINES
Cough syrups are high in sugar, and they can easily stick to your teeth. Other medicines like Alka-Seltzer are acidic and can cause the calcium that makes up your enamel to wear away.
Make sure that you are brushing and rinsing your mouth out frequently when taking medicine in order to protect your teeth. You can also choose tooth-friendly options like sugar free cough drops in order to minimize the potential for damage.
Please contact us if you have any questions about Flu Season and your oral health.