When you have a cold or flu it is important to take care of your body, and this includes your mouth and teeth.
Often when I am feeling unwell the simple act of brushing my teeth can make the difference between staying on the lounge feeling sorry for myself and feeling a little better and starting to feel like myself again.
These 3 tips will also help you look after your mouth and teeth even when you least feel like it.
1. SUGAR FREE LOZENGES
If you need to use lozenges to help a sore throat then choose a sugar free version.
If you chose a regular lozenge then the sugar they contain will sit on your teeth feeding bacteria tthat grow on your teeth and then leading to dental decay.
There are many sugar free versions available:
Strepsils, Difflam, Vapodrops, Fisherman's Friends and loads more
Make sure that you check that they are the sugar free versions as they all do still have regular (sugar filled) lozenges.
Word of warning:
Do not eat too many of these sugar free lozenges as the artificial sweeteners can have other affects on your bowels.
If you chose a regular lozenge then the sugar they contain will sit on your teeth feeding bacteria tthat grow on your teeth and then leading to dental decay.
There are many sugar free versions available:
Strepsils, Difflam, Vapodrops, Fisherman's Friends and loads more
Make sure that you check that they are the sugar free versions as they all do still have regular (sugar filled) lozenges.
Word of warning:
Do not eat too many of these sugar free lozenges as the artificial sweeteners can have other affects on your bowels.
2. STAY HYDRAYTED
It is always a good idea to be drinking plenty of water especially when you have a cold or flu.
You require more water when you have a cold or flu due to a runny nose, fever, sweats.
Water keeps you hydrated and for your teeth it acts to rinse away any food particles stuck to your teeth.
If you have a dry mouth then your salvia is not able to perform it's usual protective action rinsing your teeth and remineralising your teeth to keep them strong.
So grab another glass of water or a cup of tea to keep hydrated!
You require more water when you have a cold or flu due to a runny nose, fever, sweats.
Water keeps you hydrated and for your teeth it acts to rinse away any food particles stuck to your teeth.
If you have a dry mouth then your salvia is not able to perform it's usual protective action rinsing your teeth and remineralising your teeth to keep them strong.
So grab another glass of water or a cup of tea to keep hydrated!
3. DON'T SHARE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
After your brush your teeth your toothbrush will contain the bacteria or virus that is causing your cold or flu.
Viruses can survive on your toothbrush for up to 72 hours so it can easily spreading your cold or flu to loved ones.
You should not be sharing a toothbrush at any time, but when you have a cold or flu ensure that your toothbrush is not in contact with other toothbrushes in toiletry bags or in a glass on the bathroom counter.
Viruses can survive on your toothbrush for up to 72 hours so it can easily spreading your cold or flu to loved ones.
You should not be sharing a toothbrush at any time, but when you have a cold or flu ensure that your toothbrush is not in contact with other toothbrushes in toiletry bags or in a glass on the bathroom counter.
If you have any further questions about Looking after your teeth when you have a cold or flu or any other dental question please give us a call or send us a message, we would love to help.
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