Are you taking care of your teeth and gums by effectively lowering your risk for problems that can arise throughout the year? It is true that different times of the year can produce different oral health risks, so it is important to be ready for each one. During cold and flu season, if you should find yourself coming down with an illness, your teeth may be extra susceptible to various forms of damage.
If you do get sick, you may have decreased energy levels. When that happens some people decide to forgo their oral routines. However, this should never be done. Instead, you should switch to easier-to-operate cleaning tools, which includes electric toothbrushes and water flossers.
If you vomit while you are sick, your teeth will be at an increased risk of dental damage associated with harmful acids that travel up your esophagus and into your mouth. These acids will contribute to dental erosion by slowly eating away your tooth enamel. Fortunately, saliva can help wash away and neutralize the acid left over from vomiting. You should rinse your mouth with a solution of water and baking soda, and wait for 30 minutes before brushing to give your body time to neutralize those acids. It’s also a good idea to avoid sugary cough drops and cough syrups, and if you drink tea while you are sick, you should leave the sugar and lemon out.
No matter what treatments you need throughout the year, Dr. Kevin Solis and our team at Solis Dental Group are here to help you in every way we can. If you would like to set up a visit to come see us at our dental office in Moline, Illinois, please call us at 309-764-4944 to speak with a member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon!