When you’re sick, taking care of your body is important but it’s easy to forget about caring for your mouth and practicing a good oral hygiene routine. Your NDG dental clinic in Westmount has some tips for keeping your teeth healthy when you’re feeling under the weather.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Even if you’re not feeling well it’s vital to keep up your oral hygiene routine by rinsing and brushing twice a day and flossing at least daily. It should go without saying, but do not share your toothbrush. Throw it away and get a new one if you’ve had it for more than three months.
Stay Hydrated
Doctors tell sick patients to drink plenty of fluids for good reason. Drinking copious amounts of liquids not only helps you feel better faster; it also prevents dry mouth. Antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers can dry out your mouth, so drink plenty of water and herbal tea without sweetener or lemon, which can damage teeth when consumed in large quantities. Avoid sugary sports drinks, juice and soda if you can.
Opt for Sugar-Free Lozenges
Many cough drops contain sugar, which contributes to tooth decay and cavities. Make sure to read labels and choose lozenges or cough drops that are natural and sugar-free. Your NDG dental clinic can recommend some brands of sugar-free cough drops that work well and don’t damage your teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth After Vomiting
When you throw up, stomach acids rise into the mouth and coat your teeth. If you find yourself afflicted with a stomach bug, make sure to rinse your mouth with water after vomiting. Although your first instinct may be to brush your teeth, wait for about half an hour. Brushing too soon will just rub corrosive acid all over your tooth enamel and cause erosion and cavities.
Once you’ve recovered from your illness, if you notice any problems with your teeth or sores in your mouth make an appointment at your NDG dental clinic in Westmount. Your Montreal dentist will check out your teeth and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.
