3 Tips for Taking Care Of Your Mouth When You’re Sick
We are well into the winter season, and we know that many of our patients have mixed feelings about this season, in large part due to the weather. While some love the frigid weather, many of us are longing for the hot summer days where we can head to the Jersey shore and lay on the beach. We can all agree there is one part of winter we can certainly do without — illness. Although we are no strangers to dealing with illnesses, it is never something you hope to experience. Did you know there are precautions with your dental health that need to be taken when you or a loved one is not feeling their best? Read on to see if you are taking these simple precautions.
Helping Your Oral Health When Under the Weather
When we aren’t feeling our greatest, the first thing on our minds is usually not taking care of our oral health, but it should definitely be something we think about. Ignoring your oral care when you’re under the weather can lead to complications with your future oral health as well as the possibility of reinfecting yourself or a loved one. We recommend:
Changing Your Toothbrush
After any illness, you should replace your toothbrush to prevent contamination. It is also best to keep your toothbrush away from those of other family members and use a travel toothpaste so as not to spread germs.
Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine
When you are not feeling well and all you want to do is sleep, it can be hard to find the strength to brush your teeth. As difficult as it may be, it is extremely important to continue brushing your teeth, especially if you are using cough drops or drinking any sugary soft drinks or sports drinks.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking fluids is extremely important when you are not feeling well. Not only does it help your body, but it also helps eliminate a common oral condition known as dry mouth. You want to keep the saliva flowing in the mouth to assist with removing harmful bacteria that may build up on the teeth and along the gumline.
We kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling healthy and are concerned about the state of your oral health or it has been longer than our recommended follow-up time since your last visit, we encourage you to call our office located in Wayne, NJ to schedule an appointment. We wish you health and wellness during the remainder of the winter season!
