The Links Between Your Oral Health and Cold and Flu Season

Your smile can be at several different oral health risks and be more susceptible at various times of the year. One of the riskiest times of the year occurs during cold and flu season. This is because when individuals are distracted when they are ill, they tend to focus their care on their physical health and forget about the oral health. However, your teeth can be extra sensitive at this time, so it is important to maintain effective cleaning routines.

Caring for your smile when you are sick is important because your teeth tend to be vulnerable to several forms of oral health ailments. If you are ill and find yourself throwing up and vomiting, stomach acids will travel up through your esophagus and into your mouth. If left untreated, these stomach acids will slowly cause dental erosion. Furthermore, they can make your teeth extra sensitive to traditional cleaning techniques such as brushing and toothpaste. Instead, clean them out with mouthwash or sugarless chewing gum.

Be aware that products you use to help overcome illness can damage your teeth and gums. Cough drops are known for being excessively tough and hard. Thus, they can easily chip and crack your teeth if you try to bite into them. In addition, make sure you stay hydrated and eat plenty of crunchy foods with a high water content to ensure your mouth continues to produce enough saliva to eradicate any debris and bacteria that may pool in your mouth.

Come speak with Denali Dental to ensure your smile is well taken care of. To schedule an oral exam with Drs. Sefcik, Andrews or Andrews and our team at our dentist office in Northglenn, Colorado, give us a call at 303-254-4444.