Taking Care of Your Teeth When You’re Sick

Visiting the dentist when you are sick

Have you been feeling under the weather lately? When you’re sick with a cold or the flu, you may not feel like doing much. However, taking care of your teeth when you’re sick is also important. Continue reading for our top tips on how to take care of your dental health even when you don’t feel like it.

Is it time to replace your toothbrush?

When you’re sick, one of the first things you should do is replace your toothbrush. Toothbrushes can harbor germs, bacteria, and mold, which can be harmful to your health, especially if you’re already sick.

To help prevent illness from spreading to other family members or roommates, store your new toothbrush separately from other toothbrushes in the household.

When you can, do what you can.

When you’re sick, taking care of your teeth can feel overwhelming, so think about doing one thing at a time. Even if you don’t feel well enough to complete your normal dental hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, doing even one of these things can help you maintain your dental health while you’re sick.

If you don’t feel well enough to do any of those things, start by rinsing your mouth with water. Cough drops and liquid medications may contain sugars that linger on your teeth for a long time, and a simple rinse with water can help to wash away any residue until you can brush your teeth.

Of course, following your normal dental care routine is always ideal when it comes to taking care of your teeth when you’re sick, but doing what you can, when you can, can make a world of difference in the long run!

When Should You Visit the Dentist?

We sometimes feel ill as a result of a dental problem. If you notice swelling or discomfort in your mouth, or increased sensitivity when eating or drinking, contact your dentist right away. Sinus pressure can sometimes activate the nerves in our teeth, making them feel more sensitive than usual. Even so, it’s always a good idea to have a dentist rule out any more serious causes of dental discomfort so that you can feel better as soon as possible if your discomfort is caused by dental health.