The fall and winter months are considered cold and flu season. If your child happens to catch one of these illnesses, you’ll naturally want to do everything you can to help them feel better. However, you may not realize that coming down with a cold or the flu could potentially have negative effects on oral health. Your children’s dentist is here with 4 tips for taking care of your little one’s smile if they happen to get sick.
1. Encourage Your Child to Drink Lots of Water
The common cold and the flu can cause your child to become dehydrated more easily; on top of that, they may start breathing through their mouth due to congestion. These factors can lead to a dry mouth, which can significantly increase susceptibility to tooth decay and gum disease. To help your child avoid a dry mouth (and ensure a smooth recovery), it’s important to have them drink plenty of water.
2. Use Sugar-Free Medicine
Cough drops, cough syrup, and similar types of medication often contain sugar. This, of course, makes them less-than-ideal for your child’s teeth; cough drops can be especially problematic since they are meant to stay in the mouth for a long time. It’s best to stick to sugar-free medications whenever possible. When you go to the drugstore to pick up medicine for your child, double-check the ingredients to make sure that sugar isn’t included.
3. Have Them Rinse with Salt Water
Children who are at least 6 years old can potentially benefit from rinsing their mouths with salt water. This is a great way to fight the harmful oral bacteria that can cause gum disease and other oral health issues. On top of that, it can even soothe a sore throat. Your child can rinse with salt water multiple times a day; to make the rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
4. Switch Out Their Toothbrush Once They’re Better
Once your child has recovered from their cold or flu, you should throw out the toothbrush that they were using while they were sick. Germs and bacteria could still be living on the bristles, putting your child at risk of becoming ill again. It’s better to be safe than sorry by having them use a completely new toothbrush.
It always pays to be proactive where your child’s oral health is concerned. If you’re worried about your little one’s smile even after their illness has passed, get in touch with their dentist right away so that they can check for any issues that might be developing.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood went to the Ohio State University for his dental degree, and he has been operating Greenwood Dental in Sagamore Hills since 1998. He welcomes patients of all ages, offering child-friendly examinations along with a variety of preventive dentistry services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwood, visit his website or call (330) 467-2522.