With the world in the midst of a global pandemic and cold and flu season right around the corner again, it’s important to know how to take care of our oral health when we’re not feeling well. While you might think it’s obvious, reports from around the globe about worsening oral hygiene during quarantine tell a different story. Do your best to stay safe and healthy this fall and winter, but if you do find yourself falling ill, try these oral health tips to keep your mouth healthy while your body fights off illness.
Keep Your Routine
Yes, we know, the last thing most of us want to think about when we’re sick is flossing our teeth, but when you’re sick it’s important to maintain your oral care routine, especially with all those extra germs in your body. Just in case you need a refresher, you should be brushing at least twice a day, for at least two minutes at a time, and flossing at least once a day.
Beware of Medicines
Cough medicine can help a raw, inflamed throat, but it can be bad for your teeth. That’s because all that sticky sugar that’s added to make it taste better not only coats your throat, it coats your teeth, too, creating ideal conditions for bacteria looking to have a snack. If you do take cough medicine, always rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth after taking if possible.
Eat Healthy Foods
When you’re sick, comfort foods rule, but sometimes comfort foods are bad for you. The important thing to remember when we’re feeling under the weather is to try and eat the healthiest foods we can so your body has the fuel it needs to fight off the illness. This also benefits your teeth, because healthy foods are good for our teeth, too. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. It’s good for the body and for the teeth!
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest won’t necessarily help your mouth, but it will help you feel better, and that’s the most important goal when you’re sick. Don’t feel bad about missing a few teeth-brushings because you slept all day. Just focus on getting better, but do your best to maintain your oral hygiene when you’re awake.
We wish you a healthy, safe fall and winter cold season!