Three Tips If You Have A Cold Or Flu


It’s that time of year again…cold and flu season. While you’re sipping your tea in bed with a box of tissues next to you, the last thing you are probably thinking about is your teeth. However, it is important to be aware of  some things related to the cold or flu that can affect your oral health. Here are three tips to consider:

Tip 1: Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth

Dry mouth increases your risk of cavities. Stuffy noses as a side effect of the common cold cause us to breathe through our mouths. This, along with decreased saliva production during sleep, makes our mouths more vulnerable to harmful bacteria.

Tip 2: Stay Away from the Sticky Stuff!

Are you sucking on cough drops all day long to keep the sore throat at bay? Be aware that most cough drops are loaded with sugar. If you can, opt for sugar-free cough drops instead.

On that note, you may not realize that cough syrup also contains lots of sugar. If you take cough syrup before bed, make sure to rinse your mouth (or better yet, brush your teeth again) before going back to bed.

Tip 3: Always Brush Your Teeth, No Matter What

We know it’s tough when you’re sick, but don’t skip your normal brushing/flossing routine just because you’re feeling really tired. Your oral health is too important to neglect.

Stomach acid is also hard on teeth. If you have more of a stomach bug causing vomiting, make sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, and brush your teeth to remove the enamel-wearing acids.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

We are sure you’ve heard this saying before, and when it comes to colds and flu, you will be glad you took these precautions to stay healthy: sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands often, and disinfect your home to keep viruses from spreading.

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