Most people could care less about brushing their teeth when they’re sick. No one wants to leave their bed or couch when they feel weak, dizzy, or nauseous. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to tend to your teeth, the more likely you are to develop oral health problems. When you finally do feel better, you may find yourself at your Red Bank dentist getting help for complications that developed while you were under the weather.
You’re Susceptible to Cavities and Infections
Missing one or two teeth brushings isn’t great, but it usually won’t hurt you. Missing half a dozen or more brushings, though, could turn into serious problems, especially if you already have existing tooth decay or gum disease. When given the opportunity to fester and grow, cavities and infections will do just that.
- Brush and floss as regularly as possible, even if you’re not eating much.
- You’ll feel a little better when your teeth are clean, even if you’re still sick.
- Brushing your teeth takes care of the bad taste in the mouth caused by vomiting or postnasal drip.
Good Choices Can Cause Oral Health Problems
If you are someone who will do whatever it takes to feel better, you may be hydrating with sports drinks or beverages advertised as good for replenishing electrolytes. Unfortunately, a side effect of these drinks is a sugar bath for your teeth – and if you’re not brushing them at least twice a day and your oral health could suffer.
- Cold and flu medicines can cause dry mouth, which increases the chances of cavities.
- Water is the safest choice for teeth when it comes to hydration.
- If you drink tea, remember that it can stain tooth enamel.
Do the Bare Minimum
If you can at least make a small effort to take care of your teeth when you’re sick, you can save yourself from the need for an emergency dental visit in future. Even if you’re vomiting, there are good and bad choices for oral health care.
- After vomiting, swish water around your mouth and spit it out.
- Wait for 30 minutes before you brush your teeth so stomach acids coating your teeth stay where they are instead of being moved around your entire mouth.
- Brush after vomiting, just don’t do it too soon.
Tend to Appliances
If you can only get yourself out of bed to brush once a day, choose bedtime to get the job done. If you wear Invisalign aligners or a mouthguard, you are not doing yourself any oral health favors by wearing trays over dirty teeth.
- Trays can develop build-up and germs without daily care.
- When you clean your teeth, clean your trays too. Do your best – some effort is better than no effort at all.
- When you are healthy again, make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and check-up.
Once You’re Feeling Better
Here are a few other bare minimum items to tackle where your teeth are concerned:
- Replace your toothbrush or brush head.
- Wash any retainer or Invisalign cases thoroughly.
- Get back to your routine, stat!
Contact Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ, for support and to make an appointment Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell and her team. We understand the challenges you can experience when sick and it is our goal to help you get your oral health back on track when you’re feeling better.
