Keeping up with your optimal oral hygiene routine can seem difficult even in the best of times, not to mention when you’re already under the weather. When you’re battling a cold or the flu, you can also experience fatigue, nausea, and sleep disturbances, all of which may make it tough to care for your smile. Our Novato dentists are here with some simple suggestions on ways you can prioritize your oral health even if you are not feeling your best.
Use clean, fresh tools
If you are cleaning your smile with aged toothbrushes or waterpiks, you may actually be compounding your oral health problems. Old dental tools house bacteria, viruses, and sometimes even mold. Invest in fresh and clean oral hygiene tools for optimal results.
Keep water handy
It is critical that you stay hydrated so that your immune system is able to fight off infection. Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help to combat dry mouth, in which bacteria thrive.
Make sure to rinse your smile throughout the day
Bacterial plaque builds up on your teeth and gum continuously. Rinsing your smile, with either water or a specially formulated mouthwash will help to minimize plaque, neutralize oral acids, and combat post-nasal drip.
Gargle with salt water
Warm salt water is both soothing for your oral tissues and refreshing for your smile. This is an accessible, affordable, and effective way to jump-start healthy saliva production.
Don’t use sugary products
Oral bacteria thrive on sugars and refined carbohydrates. So, when you are shopping for throat-soothing cough drops or rinses, look for formulations that contain Xylitol, rather than sugar.
No one likes being sick, but there are some simple things that you can do to ease your discomfort and hopefully shorten the duration of your illness. You can also give our Novato dentists a call or use the Contact Us page on our site to schedule an appointment.