Bed all day. It is also a time when oral hygiene can be easily forgotten leading to those. Yup, it’s that time of the year when the flu comes knocking leaving you sick in annoying cavities. Here are the top ways to care for your mouth when you are sick.
- KEEPING YOURSELF HYDRATED
- CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLUIDS
- RINSE MOUTH AFTER VOMITING
- AVOID SUGARY COUGH DROPS
- PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
- CHANGE TOOTHBRUSH
- GARGALING
Its easy to neglect oral hygiene once you are sick because all you can think about is taking rest and getting rid of the sickness. But it is very important to keep these tips in mind to keep your oral health in check.
KEEPING YOURSELF HYDRATED
Usually, when sick, doctors recommend drinking fluids to flush out the infection as well as to get rid of that dry feeling in your mouth. When the flu hits with the blocked nose and itchy throat, you often find your mouth much drier. Medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and painkillers do not make that job any easier.
When the mouth becomes drier, saliva production decreases. Saliva has antibacterial properties that prevent tooth and gum disease.
That’s the reason there is a higher chance of getting cavities and gum disease when the mouth is dry and dehydrated.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLUID
It is compelling to drink those so-called sugar-laden drinks which fuel those cavity-causing bacteria. But it must be kept in mind that when it comes to hydration, nothing can beat plain water. You can also prefer low-sugar juices rich in Vitamin C to boost your immunity to hasten your recovery. If you prefer something warm, try out some broth or unsweetened tea.
RINSE THE MOUTH AFTER VOMITING
If you are suffering from any gastrointestinal issue, there plenty of chances that you might feel queasy. In case you do vomit, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly. The reason being that the strong acid in our stomach comes in contact with the teeth when we throw up. As tempting as it may seem to brush immediately afterward, it is always best to wait for a while.
Brushing immediately causes the acid to spread over the enamel thereby, damaging the teeth. They promote erosion of the enamel which might lead to sensitivity and yellowing problems in the future.
So first rinse, preferably with mouthwash, and then wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
AVOID SUGARY COUGH DROPS
It feels heavenly to suck on those sugary cough lozenges to get rid of that irritation in your throat particularly when you are down with the flu. Nevertheless, sugar is the criminal behind those future cavities. You are highly likely to doze off with them in your mouth and it is easy to finish a whole pack in one day. That is why it is highly recommended to choose sugar-free cough lozenges or ones that are low in sugar. This way you won’t go overboard attacking your teeth with the sugar in them.
PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
It is crucial to continue the daily regime of oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing twice a day. It is advised to spend a minimum of two minutes while brushing your teeth. It’s easy to keep this on your mind but when you are under the weather, getting rid of that disease becomes your number one priority thereby making it easy to forget oral hygiene. Having said this, it is very important to follow these steps to protect your teeth as well as your overall oral health.
CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
It is always recommended that you never share your toothbrush especially when you are sick because the flu virus exists on moist surfaces for up to 72 hours. It is better to change your worn-out toothbrush every three to four months to make sure it cleans your teeth effectively.
GARGLING
Gargling with salt water helps to get rid of the harmful bacteria in the throat and mouth. This reduces the chances of bad breath and plaque.
These simple hacks will make sure that your oral health is at its best even when you are under the weather. Dr. Kamlesh Kothari, one of the best dentists in Kolkata is a highly trained surgeon leading faculty in training practicing doctors in the field of implantology and a global speaker on 3D printing technology. He is the director of one of the largest chains of dental specialty clinics-AESTHETICA which has its headquarters in Kolkata. With its state-of-the-art facilities and specialized treatments, Aesthetica treats patients from all over the country with the primary aim of delivering the best possible care to our patients.
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