Once again, it’s that time of year. It’s the time of year when cold and flu viruses are spreading like wildfire. Even if you make every effort to avoid contracting one, you may find yourself locked up at home with a warm blanket and a box of tissues sooner or later. You could employ a range of therapies to deal with your problems, but will they harm your teeth? When you have a cold or the flu, your whole body, including your teeth, may feel sore.
Let’s take a look at how they may harm your smile and what you can do to preserve your dental health throughout the cold and flu season.
When I Have the Flu, Why Do My Teeth Hurt?
When patients have congestion from a cold, flu, or sinus infection, they may feel pressure in their upper teeth or even the roof of their mouth, which may cause pain. This is due to the fact that the region is swollen, exerting pressure on that part of your face.
Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN enlists some recommendations and reasons are as follow:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines may help you get through the day without sniffling, but they can also dry out your mouth because they dry out your nasal passages. You’re more likely to have tooth decay and foul breath if you don’t have enough saliva to wash away dangerous germs and food particles. Antihistamines may be counteracted by drinking lots of water and sucking on sugar-free candies to increase saliva production.
Cough Drops and Lozenges for a Sore Throat
Cough drops and sore throat lozenges are simply sweets with medical properties; most brands have a lot of sugar in them. Constantly swallowing cough drops or sore throat lozenges exposes your teeth to sugar for extended periods of time, allowing the sugar to interact with the bacteria in your mouth and cause considerable plaque buildup. Cough drops and lozenges that are sugar-free are the best choice. If you do decide to utilize sugary types, be sure to wash your teeth thoroughly.
Nasal Decongestants
Decongestants help dry up the tissues in a runny nose, but too much usage during cold and flu season may cause dry lips. Reduced saliva flow encourages the development of germs in the mouth, increasing your risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.
Make sure to remain hydrated by drinking lots of water to fight dry mouth. Humidifiers are also essential, particularly in Kamloops’ dry environment. They help alleviate dry tissues by adding moisture to the air.
Cough Syrup
In my fight against cold and flu symptoms, cough syrup is a must-have. These drugs, on the other hand, often include sugar to assist cover the unpleasant taste. These sticky substances will coat your teeth, perhaps causing tooth rot. Also, keep an eye out for drugs that include alcohol, since they can restrict saliva flow and make it more difficult to brush your teeth.
Instead of liquids, consider tablets or gel caps wherever feasible. Because children have a hard time swallowing tablets, give them the medication before a meal so that the increased saliva flow from eating will assist wash away the sugar coating.
Orange Juice
When individuals are feeling under the weather, they often resort to orange juice or other citrus drinks. These drinks’ acidity may actually weaken and harm your teeth enamel. Orange juice, on the other hand, is high in vitamin C, which may assist your immune system fight disease.
What is the solution? Try to drink all of your orange juice in one sitting so that you can clean your teeth afterwards to eliminate the sugar and acid. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and orange juice around mealtime. You may also obtain calcium-rich juice, which helps to build your enamel.
When it comes to cold and flu season, don’t allow the remedy become a problem in and of itself. Use these suggestions to remain healthy during winter and maintain a healthy grin.
Medicines
Sugar is often used in cough syrup and liquid cold treatments. Sugar coats your teeth and contributes to tooth decay. They may also include alcohol, which may dry out the mouth and cause further issues. Liquid drugs should be avoided in favor of gel caps or tablets.
Beverages
What is your go-to beverage when you’re feeling down? Orange juice may appeal to you since it is strong in vitamin C, which is beneficial to your immune system. Perhaps you like to drink different varieties of tea to ease your throat and speed up your recuperation. Be careful with everything you consume throughout your sick period. Because orange juice is fairly sweet, it is advisable to consume it in moderation and to consume it fast rather than drinking it over the day. Tea is acidic, so don’t drink too much of it and avoid adding sugar or honey to it. And, of course, maintain a high level of dental hygiene.
Tea
Whenever you get a cold or the flu, drink tea consistently to help calm my throat. Tea, on the other hand, is erosive and softens the strong enamel layer, making you more susceptible to decay and tooth wear.
A sufficient amount of Vitamin C, according to Children Dental Indianapolis IN, can heal any cold. It also helps to strengthen the immune system throughout the cold and flu season. Citrus foods and drinks, on the other hand, are acidic and weaken enamel.
The best strategy is to consume these beverages with a straw at mealtimes, minimize the amount of sweets in your tea, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s also vital to brush thoroughly, but wait 30 minutes for the enamel to set once again.
Maintain A Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine
Stick to your normal brushing and flossing practice even if you don’t feel like it during the cold and flu season. they promise you’ll heal quicker and your teeth will be better protected. Also, once you’re feeling better, replace your toothbrush since viruses and germs may remain.
