Winter is here! Unfortunately for many, this means cold and flu season is also here. We’ve provided some mouth care tips for when you’re sick.
During your illness, choose sugar-free cough drops. A sugar-sweetened cough drop has the same effect on your teeth as sucking on a piece of candy. The bacteria that live in your mouth will use the sugars to produce acid, which eats away your tooth enamel.
Similarly, try to choose the correct liquids while you are ill. If you choose to drink sports drinks, be sure to accompany them with plain water (if you can). Choose varieties with little to no sugar. If you drink tea, try to avoid adding lemon and sugar. If you do use acidic or sugary drinks, rinse your mouth out with water when you are finished.
If your illness includes vomiting, be careful. The acids present can cause a lot of problems for your teeth! Contrary to what you might think, it can be a bad idea to brush right after vomiting. The acids present can make your teeth very sensitive to abrasion. Instead, rinse your mouth out thoroughly, and chew on a piece of sugarless gum (or sugar-free candy or cough drop) to stimulate saliva production. Then brush your teeth after about 30 minutes.
Inflamed sinuses or an ear infection can sometimes make your teeth hurt. Talk with your doctor about proper medical care. If pain persists, talk to your dentist.
For more information, call Jeffrey A Lowry DDS in Riverside, California, at 951-263-7001. Dr. Jeffrey Lowry and our team are happy to help!