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Practicing Good Oral Hygiene While Sick

by | Feb 3, 2022

When you’re sick, taking care of your body should be your primary goal. It’s easy to forget about your oral hygiene when you’re ill, but oral hygiene remains important whether the rest of your body is healthy or not. No matter whether you have a cold, flu or you’re feeling just fine, it’s important to remember your oral hygiene.

Drink Lots of Water

Hydration is important when you’re sick, especially if you’re running a fever. Staying hydrated can also get rid of any dry mouth that you experience due to taking certain medications or breathing from your mouth instead of your nose.

It’s natural to want to drink juice or other beverages that may have vitamin C, but many of those drinks are acidic, and that’s not good for your oral health. Make water your go-to beverage when you’re sick. If you do drink juice, don’t forget to brush your teeth. Consider chasing juice with water just to remove any sugar or remaining acid on your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth

It’s easy to forget about your daily routine when you’re sick – including brushing your teeth. The truth is that oral hygiene is more important than ever when you’re sick. Most people aim to brush their teeth twice per day. You should brush your teeth three times daily when you’re sick. This is important because germs can build up in your mouth when you’re ill. Cleaning your teeth more frequently is required to ensure that your teeth are kept clean and healthy.

Having a hard time remembering to brush your teeth before going to sleep? That’s only natural when you’re ill. Set an alarm on your phone, or put a little reminder on your bathroom sink, so you’ll remember to brush your teeth when you’re going to the bathroom.

Rinse Your Mouth

Acidic remnants left behind in the mouth can combine with the bacteria that was already there to create a plaque that can do damage to your teeth and gums. Whether you just consumed food, a drink other than water, or medicine, it’s important to rinse your mouth when you’re done. This is especially important if you’ve just vomited. Take a big swish of water and move it around in your mouth before spitting it back out.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands is another good way to reduce the spread of illness. Keep your hands washed, and while you’re at the sink, consider brushing your teeth.

Avoid Sugary Medicines

Some medicines, like cough drops, are loaded with sugar that’s bad for your teeth. If you must take a sugary medicine, be sure to swish water in your mouth, as described above. If you have the option of using sugar-free cough drops, do so! It’s also important to avoid falling asleep with a cough drop in your mouth, since cough drops can easily become choking hazards and they’re not meant to stay on your teeth overnight.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a is important all the time, but it’s especially important when you’re not feeling well. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and acidic drinks. Drink hot tea and eat soups that are easy on your stomach. Crackers are good for you too because they’re easy to digest. Vegetables, whole grains and fruits are also good for you during illness. Crunchy fruits like apples and fibrous vegetables like celery are great for your teeth!

Feeling Sick? Probably Time to Reschedule Your Dentist Appointment

Dentists need to protect their health, so they can protect the health of their other patients. If you’re not feeling well but have an appointment scheduled, you can always reschedule your dentist appointment for another time. Call your dentist as soon as possible to let them know you won’t be able to make it to your next dentist appointment. We’ll understand!

Triangle Dentistry Raleigh

Your teeth are an important part of your smile! To find out more about how you can maintain healthy teeth, contact the Triangle’s trusted oral hygiene experts. At Triangle Dentistry, we keep your teeth looking their best!

To get started with your next appointment, contact us. New patients are always welcome! Call today to make your appointment.

Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000