The season of flu has arrived and you might have already noticed people coughing and sneezing around you. When a person gets sick, oral health is the last thing on their mind. You might not realize it, but even the common cold can have more effect on your teeth than you could imagine. If you have fallen ill due to a common cold or flu, then do not ignore your mouth and give it the same attention as the rest of your body.
Here are some simple tips on maintaining your oral health:
- Good hygiene: As a sick person, you might feel exhausted which can make you procrastinate good hygienic habits. Your health is your responsibility, so develop the willpower to avoid procrastination. Make sure to brush your teeth well, floss, and thoroughly clean your tongue. This is the most basic activity for good oral health.
- Drink a lot of liquid: It is necessary to be well hydrated when you are sick. Your body needs the extra fluid to properly fight the infection. Dry mouth is a common problem, which happens when there is a lack of saliva. This can increase your chances of cavity and gum diseases since saliva is a key agent in controlling cavity-causing bacteria. So consume a lot of water and soup.
- Choose sugar-free medicine: Carefully read the label when you buy medicines, keep an eye on ingredients like fructose and corn syrup. These sugary ingredients can cause cavities in your mouth. Some medicines are sweetened with sugar substitutes like xylitol or sucralose. Be smart in choosing medicines or seek advise of your doctor on the same. If you are having a hard time getting sugar-free alternatives, then make sure to brush and wash your teeth after every consumption.
- No immediate brushing after vomiting: Your flu may cause you to vomit. After you are done vomiting, do not brush your teeth immediately. The vomiting has caused stomach acid to coat your teeth. So if you were to immediately brush, you would only be spreading acid around your mouth. Instead, wash your mouth thoroughly with water and brush about 30 minutes later.
- Gargle: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and use it to gargle and spit, until it is finished. This helps in eliminating harmful bacteria stuck in your mouth and throat. Doing this reduces the effects of bad breath and plaque. To conclude, regular exercise, a good diet, and following the above tips, will ensure that your health is in good condition.