Since the onset of the Covid pandemic, everyone has become much more aware of the importance of washing their hands frequently and taking steps to care for their health. Caring for your teeth, particularly during the cold season, is just as important. That is why your dentist in Charlotte, NC | Park Crossing Dentistry wants to remind you of some helpful tips to maintain good oral health during the cold and flu season to help prevent any illness and to recover faster. Let’s see what they are.
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Follow a Cleanliness Routine
It is common knowledge that when the body is filled with germs due to a cold or the flu, you should wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and be mindful to cover your mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. Your oral health can benefit from a regular brushing routine as well as the use of an antiseptic mouthwash. Also, when you recover from your seasonal illness, toss your toothbrush and get a new one to prevent any germs remaining within it from contaminating anything further. Also also floss your teeth so you can get rid of the dirt the toothbrush can’t, try to choose a different alternative of the regular flossing, like water flossers.
Prefer Sugar-Free
Having a cough or a sore throat may have you reaching for a throat lozenge or cough drop. Before grabbing one, read the ingredients. You might be surprised to discover that many of these aides are made with plenty of sugar. This means they provide as much nutrition as a piece of hard candy; none. They will coat your teeth with sugar, especially if you consume one after another in an attempt to feel better. Do not care for your throat but disregard the health of your teeth. Look for sugar-free alternatives.
Maintain Good Hydration
When you are feeling down because of a cold or the flu, it is essential to maintain your body well-hydrated, and the best option for this is just plain water. You may be tempted to consume sports drinks or other beverages that make claims that they will hydrate you better because they contain electrolytes. You are much better off and will consume a lot less sugar if you drink water to which you have added a little salt.
Special Care After Throwing Up
Some stomach bugs or flu may give you nausea and have you vomiting when you are feeling your worst. You may be uncomfortable with the nasty flavor that remains in your mouth and may feel the urge to get rid of it as soon as possible. However, keep in mind that when you vomit, you are actually bringing up stomach acid, which can harm tooth enamel by softening it. Before grabbing the toothbrush, take a large sip of water and swirl it around your mouth a couple of times before spitting it out. This simple action will remove any acid that may be stuck to your teeth and let you get rid of the unpleasant taste. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel.