Maintaining Your Oral Health During Illness | Dentist in Benicia
When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s easy to let your regular routines slip. Coughing, sneezing, and fatigue often make it hard to stay on top of your oral hygiene. However, maintaining your oral health while you're sick is more important than ever. At MEADE FAMILY DENTISTRY [https://benicia.dental/], we want to help you protect your smile even when you're not feeling your best. Here are some simple tips to keep your mouth healthy during illness:
1. BRUSH AFTER EACH MEAL
Your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when you're sick. It’s crucial to brush your teeth after every meal to remove any food particles and reduce the growth of bacteria. This helps prevent the build-up of harmful germs that can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum irritation. Try to maintain a routine of brushing at least twice a day, but brushing after meals is especially important when you're sick.
2. BE CAUTIOUS WITH COUGH DROPS AND LOZENGES
Many people rely on cough drops and throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat, but they can be packed with sugar. Sugary lozenges and drops can contribute to tooth decay by providing food for bacteria in your mouth. Instead, look for sugar-free alternatives or those without corn syrup and fructose. This small change can help protect your teeth from cavities while still providing relief for your sore throat.
3. RINSE YOUR MOUTH AFTER VOMITING
Vomiting can introduce stomach ac...