This flu season has been predicted to be one of the worst, yet. Whether or not that turns out to be true, it’s important that we protect ourselves as much as possible: we wash our hands thoroughly after touching community property, we get flu shots, we might even go through a little extra hand sanitizer. But what happens when we get the flu despite all of our efforts? The team at Dentistry by Angela Britt hopes that you and your family remain healthy this flu season, but if you don’t, try the following suggestions to keep your teeth healthy as your body recovers.
- Use sugar-free cough syrups and throat drops — Believe it or not, several medications contain sugar in order to make the taste more palatable. Because they sit on your teeth for prolonged amounts of time, the sugars in these products have plenty of opportunity to turn to plaque and begin the process of tooth decay or gum disease.
- Opt for sugar-free medications whenever possible to protect your teeth. Besides, does sugar really make medicine taste better?
- Stay hydrated (with water) — Stuffy noses and some medications lead to mouth-breathing, which dries out your mouth. Saliva is your body’s way of not only aiding the digestive process, but removing bacteria and microscopic food particles from you teeth, as well. Without it, the resulting plaque gets to work on those pearly whites. We understand that orange juice provides some much-needed vitamin C when you’re ill, but between the acidity and sugars it contains, it’s a better idea to stick with water to keep your mouth and body hydrated.
- Stick with your regular oral health regimen — As tempting as it may be to stay in bed, be sure to stick with your brushing and flossing routine. Your mouth creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially when you’re sick. Help speed up the recovery process by eliminating bacteria and germs that are keeping you (and potentially your teeth) from getting well.
- Ditch the toothbrush – Just like your mouth, your toothbrush can play host to a number of microorganisms that multiply by the minute. Prevent recontamination by replacing your toothbrush once you start feeling well.
The flu may get you down this season, but it doesn’t have to affect your smile. If you live in Brunswick, Georgia, or the surrounding areas, contact our office today to learn more about how to keep your smile healthy, no matter what time of year.
