Oral Care When You Are Sick: Protecting Your Smile During Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season comes around every year, and even with the best handwashing and healthy habits, most of us end up catching a bug at some point. When you are not feeling well, it is easy to focus only on rest, medicine, and staying warm—but your mouth needs a little extra attention too.  A few simple steps can help you recover without letting an illness take a toll on your teeth and gums.

Replace your toothbrush after you recover

Flu viruses can live on moist surfaces for up to 72 hours, which makes a recently used toothbrush a place germs can linger even after you start feeling better.  While it is never a good idea to share a toothbrush, it is especially important to avoid sharing and to keep your brush stored away from other family members’ brushes when you are sick. Once you recover, replace your toothbrush to lower the risk of reinfecting yourself and to give your mouth a fresh start. As a general rule, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months—or sooner if the bristles look frayed.

Choose sugar‑free cough drops

Many cough drops are made with sugar and function much like hard candy in your mouth. They may soothe a scratchy throat, but the longer they sit against your teeth, the more time the cavity‑causing bacteria have to feed on the sugar they leave behind.  When you are reading labels, try to avoid ingredients like fructose and corn syrup, which can be harmful to both oral and overall health. Opting for sugar‑free cough drops is a simple way to protect your teeth from decay while you recover.

Rinse—do not brush—right after vomiting

If you have a stomach bug, your first instinct after vomiting may be to brush your teeth, but it is better to wait. Stomach acid coats your teeth when you throw up, and brushing immediately can spread that acid over the enamel and increase erosion.  Instead, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or a diluted mouthwash, then wait about 30 minutes before brushing. This gives your saliva time to neutralize the acid so you can clean your teeth safely.

Stay hydrated and watch for dry mouth

Staying hydrated is critical when you are sick, especially if you are dealing with fever, vomiting, or not drinking as much as usual. Many cold and flu medications—such as antihistamines, decongestants, and some pain relievers—also cause dry mouth.  A dry mouth can feel uncomfortable and increases the risk of cavities because there is less saliva available to wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar‑free gum, or using sugar‑free lozenges can help boost saliva flow and keep your mouth more comfortable.

Pick tooth‑friendly drinks

Sports drinks can be helpful for replacing electrolytes, but they are often high in sugar and acidic, which both contribute to tooth decay. A typical 32‑ounce sports drink may contain more than 56 grams of sugar—about 14 teaspoons.  When you are sick, try to make water your primary beverage and use sports drinks in moderation, choosing sugar‑free versions when possible.

Many people also enjoy warm tea when they are under the weather. Green tea, in particular, has been linked to several oral health benefits. Just keep in mind that adding a lot of sugar or lemon can increase the risk of decay and enamel erosion, since sugar feeds bacteria and lemon juice is acidic.  If you do like a bit of sweetness or citrus in your tea, try to brush about 30 minutes after you finish your cup.

Keep your routine going

When you are not feeling well, it is easy to let everyday habits—like brushing and flossing—slide. Yet maintaining your normal oral hygiene routine during an illness is one of the best ways to protect your smile.  Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and following the tips above can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your body focuses on healing.

If you have questions about caring for your mouth while you are sick, the team at Middleburg Smiles is here to help. We serve patients from Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Marshall, Leesburg, and throughout Loudoun County, and we are happy to talk through tooth‑healthy strategies for every season.

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