Taking Care of Your Teeth When You’re Ill

Feeling under the weather lately? Whether you’re sick with a cold or the flu, it can be difficult to feel like doing much. But taking care of your teeth when you’re ill is important, too. Read on for our top tips to care for your dental health even when you don’t feel like it.

Does Your Toothbrush Need to Be Replaced?

One of the first things you should do when you’re sick is to replace your toothbrush. Toothbrushes can harbor germs, bacteria, and mold, which can negatively impact your health, especially if you’re already under the weather. Make sure that you store your new toothbrush separately from other toothbrushes in the household, as well, to help prevent any illness from spreading to other family members or roommates.

Do What You Can, When You Can

Taking care of your teeth when you’re ill can feel overwhelming, so it can be helpful to think of just doing one thing at a time. Maybe you don’t feel well enough to complete your normal routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, but doing just one of those things can help to maintain your dental health while you’re sick. Start by rinsing your mouth with water if you don’t feel well enough to do any of those things. Cough drops and liquid medicines can have lots of added sugars that tend to linger on your teeth long afterward, and a simple rinse with water can help to wash away any residue until you can brush your teeth. Of course, when it comes to taking care of your teeth when you’re ill, following your normal dental care routine is always ideal, but doing what you can, when you can, can make a world of difference in the long run!

When to Call the Dentist

Sometimes we feel under the weather because of a dental problem. If you notice swelling or discomfort in your mouth or extra sensitivity when you eat or drink, it’s a good idea to call your dentist immediately. Sometimes sinus pressure can trigger the nerves in our teeth and make them feel more sensitive than usual. Still, it’s always best 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 dental health-related.

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