How Cold and Flu Season Impacts Your Smile

When you’re battling a cold or flu, your oral health probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. However, being sick can take a surprising toll on your teeth and gums. Understanding how illness affects your teeth and taking a few simple precautions can help protect your smile while you recover.

The Hidden Dental Dangers of Being Sick

Does being sick affect your oral health? Absolutely. When you’re under the weather, several factors can compromise your dental health. Dehydration and dry mouth are two of the biggest culprits. When you’re sick, your body loses fluids faster than usual, and many medications reduce saliva production. Since saliva naturally washes away bacteria and neutralizes acids, having less of it leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay.

Mouth breathing is another common issue when you’re congested. Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose dries out oral tissues even further, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. This is often why you experience bad breath when sick, even if you’re maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine.

Medication and Its Effects on Your Teeth

While cough drops and cough syrup provide relief from cold and flu symptoms, many contain high amounts of sugar that coat your teeth. Liquid medicine often has a similar problem—it’s designed to taste pleasant, which usually means added sweeteners. These sugars feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, increasing your risk of cavities.

Whenever possible, opt for sugar-free lozenges and rinse your mouth with water after taking any liquid medicine. If you need to use regular cough drops, try to brush your teeth or at least rinse with water afterward.

Protecting Teeth When Sick: Essential Tips

Dental care during cold and flu season requires a few adjustments to your normal routine:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall recovery and your oral health when sick. Water helps combat dry mouth, flushes away bacteria, and supports saliva production. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day.

Be Careful After Vomiting

“Should I brush my teeth after throwing up?” This is a common question, and the answer might surprise you. You should wait to brush after vomiting—ideally for at least 30 minutes. Stomach acid causes acid erosion and temporarily softens your tooth enamel. Brushing immediately can cause enamel damage by scrubbing away this weakened layer.

Instead, try a baking soda rinse or a saltwater rinse to neutralize acids and freshen your breath. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, swish it around your mouth, and spit. Once 30 minutes have passed, you can safely brush using gentle brushing techniques.

Replace Your Toothbrush

After you’ve recovered, replace your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself with lingering germs. This simple step is an important part of how to take care of your teeth when you have the flu.

Managing Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain

Sometimes sinus pressure can make your upper teeth ache, even when there’s nothing wrong with them. The roots of your upper teeth sit close to your sinus cavities, so inflammation can create referred pain. If tooth pain persists after your illness has resolved, contact our team at Stephen P. Hahn DDS by calling (702) 433-9200 or visit our general dentistry page to schedule an evaluation.

When to Seek Professional Care

If you experience severe tooth pain, a dental abscess, or a knocked-out tooth while sick, don’t wait—these situations require immediate attention. Learn more about our emergency dental services for urgent care needs.

Taking care of your oral health when sick doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple strategies for protecting teeth when sick, you can focus on feeling better while keeping your smile healthy. Remember, we’re here to help if you have any concerns during or after your recovery!