Nobody likes suffering from the cold and the flu. Sometimes, an illness may be so severe that you find it difficult to even get out of bed. Because of this, we often tend to neglect our oral health care while we are sick, which can cause further oral health and physical health risks. It is important to make sure that no matter how tired you are, to keep your smile clean when you are sick.
If you find yourself constantly throwing up, you need to continue cleaning out your mouth, but do not use a toothbrush or toothpaste. This is because your teeth are extra sensitive due to the presence of stomach acids in your mouth. This can lead to dental abrasion. Instead, try using alternative cleaning tools such as sugarless chewing gum or mouthwash to rinse out your mouth. Contamination can occur when you are sick, so it may be a good idea to replace your cleaning utensils after you have recovered from an illness.
Be aware that products you use to recover quicker while you’re sick could be putting your teeth and gums at risk. Cough drops and other hard lozenges are often tooth hazard risks because biting into them can easily chip and crack teeth. Never bite into any hard products such as cough drops. Furthermore, these products are often heavily laden with sugars as well. Sugars are toxic for your oral health and your physical health, so it is important to avoid them while you’re sick. In addition, stick to sugar-free cough drops whenever possible.
Optimum oral health is possible if you avoid the pitfalls associated with a decline in oral health during an illness. To set forth a comprehensive oral examination with our team at Downtown Dental Associates, give us a call at 216-241-4303. Our dentist office is located in Cleveland, Ohio. We look forward to hosting your smile!