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The cold and flu illnesses can do more than harm and weaken your entire body; they can also affect your smile, whether you believe it or not. They can cause toothaches, enamel erosion, and more. This is why it’s important to do all you can to keep your oral health in tip-top shape while you’re sick. You can do so by doing the following things:

Brush your teeth: Being sick can be extremely tiring and exhausting, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on brushing your teeth. Plaque and food particles still gather on your teeth when you’re sick, so make sure you brush your chompers for two minutes each time.

Drink plenty of liquids: If you stay hydrated, you can recover and heal quicker. You can also avoid the dental issue dry mouth. If you’re low on saliva, there is a chance tooth decay can attack your smile, so make sure you drink plenty of water and juice.

Toss your toothbrush: Once you’re feeling better, make sure you throw your toothbrush away. This is important because your toothbrush is infected with germs and bacteria that can attack your immune system once again.

Rinse with salt water: A salt water rinse can help you by killing the bacteria and plaque in your mouth. So, try to swish with the mix for one minute at least once a day. You can make the rinse by putting a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water.

Take sugar-free medication: Unfortunately, many cough syrups and medications are doused with sugar to make them more enjoyable. This is unfortunate because the sugar can attack your smile and cause cavities. So, it’s best to stick to taking sugar-free medications.

If you have any questions about our tips or if you would like to know more about how to take good care of your oral health in Lebanon, Ohio, please call Family Dentistry, Inc. at 513-932-6991 at your earliest convenience. Drs. Haas, Haas, and Burns, along with our dental team are happy to help you and give you the answers and information you’re looking for!