When you are struggling with a cold, fighting the flu, or experiencing another common illness, it may be hard to focus on oral health care. After all, your immediate priority can be addressing active physical discomfort, or fighting the cause of your illness so that you can recover as soon as possible. While this is understandable, remember that your teeth face a constant threat for oral bacteria, and that a break in your smile care routine can increase your risk for cavities and gum disease! By staying consistent with oral hygiene practices, and making smart choices to take care of yourself, you can address a fever while also keeping your smile safe. Remember that in addition to providing important preventive care during routine checkups, your Shrewsbury, MA dentist can offer tips to help you take great care of your teeth between visits.
Remember To Keep Brushing And Flossing
Keep brushing and flossing while you are sick! People sometimes have trouble leaving their bed or couch when they feel ill, or when they take medication that makes them drowsy. Unfortunately, oral bacteria are not going to take a break from threatening your smile just because you do not feel up to the task of cleaning your teeth! Remain consistent with both brushing and flossing to remove these bacteria before they can harden to tartar, cause gingivitis, or cause a cavity to form.
Stay Hydrated With Water To Avoid Dry Mouth
Your saliva plays a part in protecting your smile from harmful bacteria, but when you experience dry mouth, your body is limited in how much it can produce. Make sure you stay hydrated during times of illness, and make sure you choose water to drink. Water is free of harmful sugars, is non-acidic, and is effective at keeping you hydrated throughout the day.
Look For Sugar-Free Cough Drops
A persistent cough can make you self-conscious, and lead to discomfort in your throat. Before you commit to a particular type of cough drop, check and see if your choice contains sugar. If it does, you can give oral bacteria a sustained source of sugar every time you take one, which can lead to a dental filling or dental crown at your next appointment. By choosing sugar-free drops, you can do a better job sparing your enamel from harm.
Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Mouth!
At Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury, patients can count on important support in our office, as well as helpful guidance on how you can take great care of your teeth at home. While it may not be fun to think of anything beyond rest and recovery while sick, being mindful of your oral health during episodes of illness can protect you from trouble. Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling our Shrewsbury, MA dental practice at (508) 842-8838.
