Down with the Flu How to Protect your Teeth when you are Sick

Don't stop your dental care routine just because you are dealing with the flu. The health of your teeth is important too. Once, you lose vital enamel due to too much acid from vomiting or eating acidic foods, you won't be able to get it back. Here are a few ways you can easily protect your teeth while sick.

Rinse out Your Mouth with Water
It's important to have a fresh glass of water on hand at all times when you are suffering with the flu. First of all, this will help you stay hydrated when sick. Secondly, it helps keep your mouth from becoming too acidic due to vomiting or sucking on lozenges all day.

Avoid Brushing the Teeth for One Hour After Eating Acidic Food
It's not uncommon to drink a lot of orange juice, or other acidic juices to get that essential Vitamin C during an illness. When you do taking in something with an acid, wait an hour afterwards before brushing your teeth. In the interim, rinse your mouth out with some water to remove most of the sugars and acids. This is also what you should do after vomiting.

Consider Using Sugar Free Lozenges
If you have a sore throat and have to suck on lozenges all day, consider switching to a sugar free option. Sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. By avoiding them you help keep those teeth in good shape. Some good options are lozenges with sorbitol or xylitol.

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
If your dental habits start to falter while you have the flu, pick up a fluoride mouthwash to use. This mouthwash contains fluoride, which can help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent cavities from forming.

Visit the Dentist for Sensitivity or Unusual Symptoms
When your teeth become sensitive, despite your best efforts, or you develop unusual mouth-related symptoms after the flu, consider visiting a dentist. According to All About Smiles Incorporated, the dentist can examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for disease and dental caries. They can also take x-rays, screen for oral cancer, and make treatment or referral recommendations, if needed.

Having the flu can really do some damage to the teeth, especially the enamel. Keep your teeth strong and healthy with plenty of water, a fluoride rinse, and by switching to sugar free lozenges. Should you develop sensitivity after being sick, arrange to have a dental exam.