Importance Of Caring For Your Oral Health When Sick

It’s hard to believe that the summer season is coming to an end and fall is right around the corner. Although our weather may say something different, take any trip to a local store, and you will find endless amounts of fall and holiday items. While we hope all of our patients remain healthy during this time, occasional illnesses are always possible. If you should happen to fall ill, there are certain changes you should be making to help prevent any complications with your oral health.

Clean Your Teeth
Even if you aren’t feeling your best, it is important to continue to brush your teeth. This is especially important if you are vomiting. Lingering bacteria and acid on the teeth can cause tooth decay and other issues, such as gum disease. It is also extremely important that you replace your toothbrush following any illness.

Avoid Touching Your Mouth
The mouth is the gateway to the body, and it is easy to transfer bacteria from your hands to your mouth and into your body. This is extremely problematic if you are a nail biter. Touching your mouth when you are sick and then touching other items in your home increases the chance that someone else will become ill.

Limit Sugar
When you aren’t feeling your best, you may drink beverages such as sports drinks and soft drinks. Both contain large amounts of sugar. If you drink these beverages, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. If you use cough drops, you may want to choose a sugar-free option.

We kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling under the weather. If you are feeling healthy and are concerned about the state of your oral health, or it has been quite a long time since your last visit, we encourage you to call our office, which is located in Wellington, FL, to schedule an appointment. We wish you health and wellness during the fall and into the holiday season.