It seems like, especially this year, just about any week that goes by someone we know has a cold or flu. Believe it or not, taking care of your teeth at this time is very important. Taking care of your body should be top priority, and your teeth and mouth are no exception. No matter how bad you feel, take the time to floss, brush, and rinse your mouth and keep it clean. A clean mouth will make you feel better.
The flu virus can actually live on moist surfaces for up to 72 hours. Because of this, you should be sure to replace your toothbrush after you have had the flu or a cold. The virus spreads so easily through coughing and sneezing because it can live on moist surfaces for so long after leaving the body. That’s why it is important to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. It’s best to sneeze or cough into your elbow. Teach your children this early.
If you are unlucky enough to have the cold or flu, throat and cough symptoms make cough drops a must at times. We advise the use of sugar free cough drops to reduce sugar exposure to oral surfaces that may already be dry from medication or the illness itself. Many cough drops contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This is just like sucking on a piece of candy all day! This sugar is a veritable feast for the bad bacteria that live in our mouths that can use the sugar to increase risk of cavities and dental disease.
You may also be very tempted to brush right after vomiting, as well. However, believe it or not, it is best to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush as the stomach acid that comes up during vomiting can weaken your enamel tremendously and brushing can worsen the enamel loss from the acid exposure as it is softer during that time. The best thing to do is rinse and swish with water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda to help wash away the acid before you brush.
Staying hydrated is essential during this time. Some medications may cause dry mouth and drinking water can help to prevent this. Dry mouth can also cause cavities, so drinking plenty of fluids is essential when you are sick for so many reasons. Water is always the best liquid to drink. However, your doctor may suggest a sport drink to replenish electrolytes. If this is the case, look for the sugar free kind. Hot tea can also be a soothing drink during this time. Again, avoid adding sugar if possible.
We hope this gave you some sound advice on how to care for yourself and your family if a cold or flu does strike your household. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
