Winter is here–and with it, cold and flu season. Here are some mouth care tips for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing each day for 203 minutes.
Some people throw away their toothbrush after they have been ill; this could be a good idea for you, too, depending on your personal situation. The flu virus can live on your toothbrush for up to 72 hours. While it is unlikely that you will reinfect yourself (unless you are severely immunocompromised), your brush may contaminate other toothbrushes and make other people sick. You may decide it is best to replace your toothbrush once you are on the mend.
Choose sugar-free cough drops. A sugar-sweetened cough drop has the same effect on your teeth as sucking on a piece of candy. The bacteria that live in your mouth use the sugars to produce acid, which eats away your tooth enamel.
If your teeth hurt while you are sick, it could be because of inflamed sinuses or an ear infection. Talk with your doctor about proper medical care. If pain persists, talk to your dentist.
Call us at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Siti A. Lowery, DDS to visit the dental practice at 110 Preston Executive Dr. #104, Cary, NC 27513.