Your oral health during cold and flu season

Cold and flu season is quickly approaching. Your ‘get well soon’ routine may have a significant impact on your oral health if you aren’t careful. We know your teeth are probably the last thing you are thinking about in between the sniffles and sneezes. There are however several things you should be conscious of during this time of year.

Avoid dry mouth by staying hydrated. One side effect of a cold or flu is a stuffy nose. As a response to your body’s inability to breathe through your nasal passageways, you end up breathing through your mouth. Combine this with decreased saliva production while sleeping, and your mouth becomes susceptible to harmful bacteria. A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities.

Another side effect of a cold or flu is an annoying cough. Be leery of cough drops and cough syrup. Most cough drops and cough syrup are loaded with sugar. Opt for sugarfree cough drops instead. When using cough syrup, rinse your mouth out before heading back to sleep to avoid those sugars sticking to your teeth.

Above all else, don’t deviate from your daily hygiene routine. Even though your body aches and your head is heavy, your oral hygiene is too important to neglect. Brushing and flossing daily is vital to maintaining superior oral health. You should also change your toothbrush once you are feeling better to avoid recontamination.

Dr. Senft has been treating patients with the aid of sedation since 1984. He is also a Diplomate with the Congress of

Oral Implantologists. If you would like more information on the topics discussed and how it may pertain to your dental needs.