It’s cold and flu season, and, in the coming months, many of us will be battling pesky head colds, and more. We know that illness can really sap your energy, but it’s so important that you take steps to care for your smile, even when you’re sick. Keep reading to learn more from our Saint Louis dentists!
One of the absolute best things that you can do when you’re sick is to maintain your morning and nightly dental cleaning routines. If fatigue is making it difficult to do a thorough job of this, try keeping floss and mouth rinse by your bed, within easy reach.
It’s also helpful to get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with water or a gentle mouth rinse multiple times throughout the day. This will help refresh your smile, and it will probably help you feel a little better, too!
You want to take special care rinse your smile if you are sick and vomiting. When stomach acid makes its way onto your smile it can weaken oral tissues and teeth. Gently rinse your smile to limit the amount of time that acid is able to sit in your mouth. Do not brush your teeth immediately, as your enamel will be temporarily softened due to acid exposure.
Another important thing to do is to switch out your toothbrush after illness. Obviously, toothbrushes are designed to keep your smile clean, but they can actually start to harbor bacteria over time. So, to minimize your risk of re-infection, it’s best to start fresh with a new brush.
There’s no cure for the common cold, but that doesn’t mean that you’re helpless when you’re sick! As always, our Saint Louis dentists are here to answer any questions that you may have, and to give you advice on caring for your smile all year long. We look forward to speaking with you!