Taking care of ourselves when we’re ill is difficult and requires energy, especially when it comes to our oral hygiene routines. However, this does not mean we can neglect our oral health habits. If you’re feeling under the weather, here are some ways to prevent added dental damage when you’ve been sick:
Staying hydrated when you are sick is often the first recommendation any healthcare provider will make, but its also crucial to help or oral health! When we’re sick, we often will suffer from an increased risk of dehydration, and this can in turn cause dry mouth. Prescription medications can also contribute to an increase in dry mouth, so be sure to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as best as possible.
When we’re sick, we should still be following the twice-daily routine of brushing our teeth. However, we want to be sure once we are feeling better we get rid of the toothbrush or toothbrush head to avoid re-introducing germs. This will ensure you are not using a toothbrush that is still harboring bacteria that could make you sick again! Some toothbrushes can be disinfected in an at-home sterilizer or by running them through the dishwasher.
This may seem confusing, but you don’t want to brush right after vomiting. After bouts of nausea, your oral environment is highly acidic. If you brush right away, you could potentially be rubbing acidic saliva around that can do more harm than good. It’s best to rinse your mouth with something alkaline like a baking soda and saltwater rinse to help balance the microbiome and reduce acid levels. Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth if you recently threw up.
Battling things like nausea, dehydration, or even indigestion can have an impact on your mouth. Follow these tips to protect your smile until you’re feeling yourself again.