Cold and flu season are upon us, and your child is likely going to come down with one or the other. Keeping them protected from germs and bacteria isn’t always easy, but you can take added precautions to ensure their teeth remain free of tooth decay should they require medications to help them feel better. A dentist in Westminster shares 4 tips you can use to keep your little one’s smile looking and feeling its best while they recover from the seasonal cold or flu.
Make Sure They’re Brushing and Flossing
Although they may not feel like it, make sure your child is continuing to brush and floss their teeth each morning and every night before bed. The American Dental Association (ADA) and your family dentist in Westminster believe a healthy smile can help your child feel better even when battling a serious cold. Not to mention, they’ll be removing harmful plaque and bacteria from their teeth and gums, minimizing their risk for more serious dental problems (i.e. cavities, gum disease).
Rinse Their Mouth After Getting Sick
If your child should get sick while suffering from the flu, you may be tempted to have them brush their teeth immediately after vomiting. The reality is that it’s far better to have them rinse with water or diluted mouth wash. The reason is that vomiting actually causes stomach acid to come into contact with their teeth. If they begin to brush, this will further cost the enamel and begin to break it down, making them more susceptible to cavities. By choosing to have them rinse instead, it will flush out the acid.
Make Sure They’re Drinking Plenty of Fluids
While your child is sick, make sure they’re drinking plenty of clear fluids. This means water should be their drink of choice. Not only will this prevent dry mouth, but it will keep their salivary glands working at an optimal level and flush out any bacteria that may be trying to accumulate within their mouth. You might think sports drinks or fruit juices will be a better substitute, but they are often full of sugar, which can cause dental caries. Instead, stick with water and opt for sugarless cough drops to help keep their mouth free of dryness.
Purchase a New Toothbrush
Once your child is feeling better, it’s best to buy them a new toothbrush. Why? Because it is believed that the flu can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To keep your child from getting sick (again), toss out their current toothbrush and replace it with a new one. This will ensure no virus or bacteria is transmitted back into their mouth when brushing each morning and night.
As a parent, it’s hard to see your child sick. When helping them recover from the seasonal cold or flu, make sure you’re keeping their oral health in mind by following these four easy tips.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she attended a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. At J.B. Dental, she and her team take preventive care seriously and want to assist in offering tips to avoid worsening oral health problems during cold and flu season. If you need help determining which products to use to help your child maintain a healthy smile while suffering from sinus congestion or the flu, contact us at (720) 458-6561.