It’s that time of year when we are prone to developing colds, coughs, and flu-like symptoms. Yuck!
You probably already know how to boost your immunity when you’re not feeling well, but what about your smile? Keep reading to get some tips from our Novato family dentists!
You may notice a number of different dental issues when you are under the weather:
Dry mouth: when your mouth is dry, you may notice that your teeth feel grimier and less smooth. Dry mouth also contributes to bad breath. So, make sure that you are rinsing your mouth regularly, as well as drinking plenty of water.
Bad breath: we already know that bad breath can be caused by dry mouth. Additionally, if you have a cold and experience post-nasal drip, you’ll likely find that your entire mouth feels and smells stale. Again, keeping your mouth as clean and moist as possible will help minimize these issues.
Sore throat: you may develop a sore throat if you have a head cold, and your throat may also start to feel sore if you are coughing or vomiting a lot. Try gently gargling with warm salt water, or a specially formulated mouth rinse to ease discomfort.
Inflamed oral tissues: as bacteria build up in your mouth, oral tissues, such as your tonsils and gums, may become swollen or tender. Make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and that you are applying gentle pressure so as not to exacerbate the issue and possibly cause permanent oral tissue damage.
Taking care of your smile when you’re sick is good for both your oral health and full-body wellness. As always, please feel free to reach out to our Novato family dentist for additional information and guidance. You can also schedule a consultation with our team to get more personalized recommendations.