Taking care of your teeth and gums requires more than just cleaning your mouth out with traditional cleaners. Several oral health risks can arise long before cleaning can occur, so it is important to protect your teeth as soon as issues begin to arise. One particularly devastating effect that can occur in your mouth as a result of having a cold or the flu is dental damage. Because your mouth is extra susceptible to damage at this time, you will need to exercise additional care to keep your mouth safe. Here’s a checklist of some things you can do:
– Continue to clean out your mouth when you are sick, including brushing and flossing daily.
– Because dry mouth can often arise when you are sick, you will need to make sure that you stay hydrated and eat foods with a high water content.
– If you find yourself throwing up, be aware that stomach acids will travel up through your esophagus and into your mouth. These need to be removed and rinsed away.
– Exercise caution with cough drops as they are often hard and can easily chip and crack your teeth.
– Never share or use someone else’s toothbrush as it can increase your risk of contamination. Likewise, avoid using anyone elses’ cleaning or eating utensils.
– Always remember to stay sugar-free and avoid products that contain excessive amounts of sugar.
If you would like to visit with Dr. Bryce Hanson and our team at River Valley Dental for a comprehensive examination and further oral health care treatments, please call 208-357-7611 to set up an appointment at our dentist office in Shelley, Idaho.