It’s peak flu season in Illinois, and Pure Dental Spa wants to remind our patients to pay attention to your oral health when you’re sick! Caring for your mouth when you’re sick is especially important because the flu virus is transmitted easily through your mouth. Below are some of the ways to keep your oral health up to par while you overcome the flu!
Swish and Spit
If you are sick with the flu, chances are you’re likely vomiting. If this is the case, you might feel like reaching for your toothbrush right after you’re done. In reality, what this does is rub the stomach acids that are in your mouth all over the surface of your teeth and eroding the enamel. Instead of brushing right after throwing up, try just swishing around water and spitting it into the sink. You can brush after about twenty minutes of doing this.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is key when you’re ill for a couple of reasons. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth which can, in turn, lead to cavities. It’s important to drink lots and lots of water to keep the saliva flowing to help prevent dry mouth. You’ll also want to be conscious of the types of fluids you’re getting. Your body needs lots of fluids to help replenish itself when you’re sick, and a lot of times, sports drinks are recommended because they are rich in electrolytes. However, these drinks are also full of sugar which can be harmful to your teeth. Drink them in moderation alongside water.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene when you’re sick isn’t limited to frequent brushing, flossing, and mouth wash swishing. It also means covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, never ever sharing your tooth brush, and replacing your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Generally, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months. Once you’re starting to feel better, throw away any toothbrush you used while you were sick to avoid re-infecting yourself.
When you are feeling better, it’s probably a good idea to visit the dentist. Having the flu can take a toll on your oral health, so getting a professional cleaning and a checkup is never a bad idea. Schedule your reservation with Pure Dental Spa to see how we can help you get your oral health back on track!