Taking care of your body, including your gums and teeth, comes first when you have the flu or a cold. Throughout the year it’s critical to maintain good oral health, but while you’re ill it’s even more critical. Here are some quick tips from a family dentist in Manassas for maintaining oral health when under the weather.
Opt for Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Before purchasing a bag at the pharmacy, places such as CASCADES Center for Dental Health recommend reading the label to be sure that you’re avoiding substances such as fructose or corn syrup. Many cough drops include sugar in them, making them similar to sucking on sweets. Cavities are caused by sugar, according to research. The more time cavity-causing bacteria have to feast on sugar in a cough drop, the more likely they will make the acid that can erode your teeth.
Rinse and Spit Rather Than Brush After Vomiting
Vomiting is among the unpleasant side effects of several ailments, including stomach flu. Even if the need to clean your teeth straight away can be strong, it is best to wait, according to a family dentist in Manassas. Your teeth become coated by stomach acids that come into contact with them when you vomit.
If you wash your teeth too quickly, the hard enamel on the outside of your teeth will just be rubbed off with that acid. To remove the acid, swish with water, a mouthwash that has been diluted, or a solution of water and one teaspoon of baking soda. Spit, then brush after around 30 minutes.
