Caring For Your Oral Health When Sick
After living through a pandemic, we can probably all agree we know more about illnesses and trying to prevent them than ever before. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try to avoid an illness, our bodies are not indestructible, and sometimes we succumb and fall ill. You may be surprised to learn that there are certain precautions you need to take with your oral health during an illness to help prevent dental issues from developing.
Replace Your Toothbrush
You may be surprised to learn that you should always replace your toothbrush following an illness. Bacteria can linger on the bristles and increase the likelihood of reinfecting yourself or a loved one. Just a friendly reminder never share toothbrushes with anyone, even when you’re feeling your best.
Hydrate
It is extremely important to make sure that you are drinking enough when you are sick. This is especially important if your nose is stuffy and you are breathing through your mouth or if you are taking any kind of over-the-counter or prescription medication. Not only is hydrating good for your body, but mouth breathing and many medications cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is a lack of saliva, which can lead to problems such as tooth decay.
Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine
We know that when you aren’t feeling well it can be difficult to do anything; however, it is important to continue brushing and cleaning your teeth. This is extremely important if you are drinking sugary soda or sports drinks or if you have vomited.
We kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling healthy and are concerned about the state of your oral health, or it has been longer than 6 months since your last visit, we encourage you to call our office located in Houston, TX to schedule an appointment. We wish you and your family health and wellness!
