As we enter cold and flu season, now is the time to take some extra special care maintaining oral health. The truth is that when you are under the weather, your dental hygiene can suffer as a result. That is why our Troy dentists have put together this short primer reviewing ways that you can support your smile even when you’re ill.
If you are sick, you may develop some secondary oral health issues, like:
Dry mouth—lack of saliva can cause your mouth to feel grimy and stale. Dry mouth is also associated with hard-to-treat bad breath.
Post-nasal drip—mucus that begins in your nasal cavities can make its way down to the back of your throat, causing discomfort and malodorous breath.
Cough and sore throat—when you are battling a head or chest cold, increased phlegm production will irritate your oral tissues and throat. Persistent cough develops as your body attempts to clear mucus from your airways.
The good news is that there are some simple steps that you can take to ease these symptoms and return to health, faster.
Swap out your dental tools
Old, worn down toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and dental debris, keeping you from getting healthy again. Take this opportunity to replace old dental tools with ones that are fresh, clean, and effective.
Pay attention to medications, cough drops, etc.
There are a plethora of cough drops and mouth rinses on the market to ease symptoms. The key is to find a formulation that is sugar free—it will likely contain Xylitol rather than sugar. Because sugar ramps up bacteria production, you want to minimize your consumption especially when you are ill.
Rinse regularly and stay hydrated
Perhaps the best thing that you can do to support whole body as well as oral health is to drink plenty of water. Water boosts your immune system, and it also allows your body to produce plenty of smile-strengthening saliva. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day and at bed time.
Want to learn more about the best ways to care for your smile? Give our Troy dentists a call to speak to a member of our team!