When it’s cold and flu season in Garland, it’s only a matter of time before your child begins to complain of a cough or sore throat. Fevers spike, sneezes commence, and exhaustion becomes the reality of your home for several days. As a parent, you aim to treat the symptoms with all types of over-the-counter medicines, but have you considered how these might impact your child’s teeth? If you want to avoid cavity formations, here are four tips to consider while helping your child get better.
Make Sure They Drink Plenty of Water
Although they may not feel like consuming much of anything while sick, it’s important that your child drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated not only benefits their immune system but also prevents dry mouth and the build-up of plaque and bad bacteria. Regular water intake works to keep salivary glands in optimal shape, flushing out anything that might harm tooth enamel or soft oral tissues.
Be Mindful of Sugary Medicines
Cough syrups, throat lozenges, and antihistamines may help to combat the cold and flu, but they often contain significant amounts of sugar. While we’re not saying that you should avoid these products, it is important that you look for sugar-free alternatives or take proper precautions not to allow these medicines to remain on their teeth for long periods.
Replace Their Toothbrush
Once your child is no longer sick, make sure to toss their existing toothbrush. Bacteria and viruses can live on the bristles, putting them at risk for reinfection. By throwing away their current brush and replacing it with a new one, you eliminate the possibility of those same harmful particles re-entering their mouth. This is a great opportunity to take them shopping so that they can pick out their new toothbrush.
Practice Regular Oral Hygiene Routines
If they’re struggling to drink water while they’re sick, they’re also likely to neglect their oral hygiene. This is when your help is most essential. Making sure your child brushes, flosses, and rinses (if old enough) in the mornings and evenings are vital to avoiding cavities. Throughout the day, bacteria build, leaving remnants on tooth enamel. If left to burrow, it can create small holes that will then require restorative treatment to fix. If the last thing you and your child want to do is visit a pediatric dentist in Garland for a dental filling after they begin to feel better, make sure they maintain good oral hygiene while sick.
Following these four simple tips will help your little one not only feel better but also maintain a healthier smile that remains cavity-free.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University. He and his colleagues at The Dental Specialists are dedicated to providing exceptional service, compassionate care, and a fun and exciting environment for all visitors. With cold and flu season quickly approaching, he and his team can provide helpful tips to mitigate oral health problems commonly caused by illness. Visit our website or call (972) 309-9992 to learn more.