When you’re feeling under the weather, taking care of your oral health might be the last thing on your mind. However, maintaining a good oral care routine is crucial, even when you’re sick.

Being sick can impact your teeth and gums due to factors like dehydration, a weakened immune system, medication side effects, or vomiting, so taking care of your smile is essential.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain good oral hygiene even when you’re unwell.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and it also benefits your dental health. When you’re sick, your body can lose fluid faster than normal due to fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea [1]. This can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth enamel damage and bad breath. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and maintain saliva flow.

Change Your Toothbrush

When you’re sick, your toothbrush can harbor bacteria, which can prolong your illness or reintroduce germs into your system [2]. To minimize the risk of reinfection or cross- contamination, replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) as soon as you start feeling better. Remember to always choose a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent any irritation to your gums and damage to your tooth enamel.

Rinse With Salt Water

If you’re dealing with a cold or another respiratory virus, gargling with salt water can provide relief for a sore or irritated throat [3]. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This simple home remedy can alleviate the discomfort of any oral sores or inflammation caused by sickness.

Don’t Brush Teeth Immediately After Vomiting

If you’ve experienced vomiting due to illness, it’s important to avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterward. Stomach acids can temporarily weaken tooth enamel, and brushing immediately after vomiting can further erode the enamel.

Instead, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum, and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to protect your enamel and prevent damage [4].

Maintain Regular Brushing and Flossing

While it might be tempting to skip your oral care routine when you’re unwell, it’s crucial to brush and floss daily to keep your smile clean and healthy.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily will help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and help prevent gum inflammation. A clean mouth can reduce the risk of dental issues and even support your immune system, contributing to your recovery [5].

Consider Sugar-Free Cough Drops and Medications

Many cough drops and liquid medications contain high amounts of sugar to improve taste. Unfortunately, frequent sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay, especially if you’re already dehydrated from being sick.

Whenever possible, choose sugar-free cough drops or ask your pharmacist about sugar free alternatives for liquid medications. This will help minimize the negative effects of sugary substances on your teeth and gums and protect your smile.

Don’t Skip Your Next Dental Check-Up

By following these oral care tips, you can ensure your mouth stays healthy even when your body is fighting off an illness. When you’re all better, don’t skip your next dental check-up. Your dentist can ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and identify signs of tooth decay and gum disease early to protect your smile and your immunity against future illness!

Sources:
1. https://www.upstate.edu/whatsup/2020/0513-staying-hydrated-is-important-insickness-and-in-health.php
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/throw-away-toothbrush-sick
3. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/health-library/all/2019/01/does-gargling-salt-water-help-sore-throat
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cold-and-flu-season
5. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/oral-systemic-health