The beginning of cold and flu season is rapidly approaching. Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, the illness still finds its way into our bodies. When you get a bug, you need to take a few extra precautions to protect your smile. Extreme pain is not typical and must be checked by a Spring dentist.

Throw Out Your Old Toothbrush

A toothbrush is a perfect site for the flu virus to breed since it can survive on a wet surface for up to 72 hours. While it’s never a good idea, it’s especially not smart to share a toothbrush when you’re sick. Keeping your toothbrush in the same cabinet as your family’s brushes increase the likelihood that everyone in the household will catch your illness. You can avoid reinfecting yourself by throwing away your toothbrush and getting a new one after you’ve recovered from an illness that requires you to keep your toothbrush hygienic. Every three to four months is the average time between replacements for toothbrushes. In such a case, you might as well go ahead and replace it.

Drops for the Cough, Sugar-Free Kind

Cough drops often include sugar as a sweetener. Cough drops may help with an itchy throat, but they have about as much sugar as hard candy. If you keep a cough drop in your mouth for too long, cavity-causing bacteria will have more opportunity to eat away at the sugar it transmitted to your teeth.

Please Gargle After Throwing Up

Although many people immediately hurry to brush their teeth after being sick, this is a bad idea. The stomach acid leaves a film on your teeth when you throw up. If you brush too soon after eating, you risk wiping stomach acids all over your teeth as you brush. Try rinsing your mouth with water or diluted mouthwash instead of brushing immediately. It is okay to brush your teeth 30 minutes after throwing up.

Keep Yourself Well-hydrated

When fending off an illness, it’s crucial to be properly hydrated. Dehydration from vomiting or inadequate water intake causes dry mouth in many people. Drugs, including antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers, might cause your mouth to dry out. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also lead to cavities in your teeth if left untreated.

Have a Beverage That’s Good for Your Teeth

When you’re unwell, you need electrolytes replaced, and sports drinks are perfect for the task. Still, water is what you should be drinking most often.