Flu season is officially here and according to the CDC it is expected to peak in February and March. News reports claim that this year’s strain is more severe and widespread than we have seen in the past, causing many hospitalizations and even deaths across the country. While efforts aimed at preventing the spread of the flu, such as vaccination, careful and frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose while sneezing, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are already ill are imperative, should you find yourself sick with the flu, caring for your body is crucial – and this includes your mouth. Here are some ways to care for your dental health when you are not feeling well:
Practice Good Hygiene. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove the plaque and bacteria on your teeth that can lead to cavities. If you are unable to brush and floss as consistently as you want while sick, mouthwash or gargling with a cap sized amount of hydrogen peroxide once a day can help kill the germs present on the teeth, mouth and throat. Because the flu virus can live for 72 hours on moist surfaces, remember to use a new toothbrush after your illness has passed and never share your toothbrush with others.
Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops. Many cough drops contain sugars such as fructose or corn syrup. Cavity causing bacteria on our teeth feed on these sugars producing acids which cause tooth decay. Opting for a sugar-free cough drop while sick is recommended to help prevent cavities.
Swish and Spit After Vomiting. One unfortunate side effect of the flu is vomiting. While many are tempted to brush their teeth immediately, brushing too soon can actually lead to enamel breakdown because the stomach acids can soften the enamel, and immediately brushing can remove some of this softened tooth structure. Instead, we recommended that you swish with water, a diluted mouth rinse, or a mixture of water and 1 tsp. baking soda to first wash away the acids, spit, and then brush about 30 minutes later.
Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth. Dry mouth can put you at greater risk for developing cavities. During dry mouth, our saliva function is decreased. Saliva functions to cleanse the teeth and gums and provides fluoride to the tooth surface, remineralizing and strengthening our enamel. Common medications used to treat the flu, such as antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers, can contribute to dry mouth, so drink plenty of water and suck on sugarless cough drops to help keep the saliva flowing.
Dr. Kristina Chandler practices at Cheek Dental here in East Cobb. You may contact her at 770-993-3775 or visit www.cheekdental.com.
Choose the Right Fluids. When it comes to your dental health, the safest thing to drink is water. Sports drinks might be recommended to replenish electrolytes when you are sick, but drink them in moderation as they contain a lot of sugar. Also, if you prefer tea when you feel ill, try not to add sugar or lemon if you can avoid it. Sugar fuels the cavity-causing bacteria, and lemon is acidic on the enamel.
We hope you can avoid catching the flu this season, but if you do fall ill, remember proper oral care is important to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
This article originally appeared in the March issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on pages 11. Click here to view the digital edition.
