Helping your child protect their smile is simple enough under normal circumstances, but it can be a lot trickier during cold and flu season. If your child happens to get sick, their illness could have an impact on their oral health. Fortunately, your child’s dentist is here to explain a few simple steps that you as a parent can follow to protect your little one’s teeth while they have the cold or flu.
Help Your Child Remember to Brush
Your child may not feel like they have the energy to brush their teeth while they’re sick, but oral hygiene isn’t something that anyone can afford to take a break from. Not brushing could put your child’s smile at risk for cavities and gum disease. To avoid long-term dental issues, you need to make sure that your child is still brushing their teeth at least two times a day even while they’re under the weather.
Once your child is better, you should have them switch to a new toothbrush right away. You don’t want them to continue using a toothbrush that might still have harmful germs living in the bristles.
Give Your Child Sugar-Free Medication
Did you know that certain kinds of cold and flu medications contain sugar? It’s often added as a sweetener to mask the bitter taste of the medicine. Of course, too much sugar isn’t great for your child’s teeth regardless of where it comes from. Thus, you should double-check the ingredients of any medications you buy in order to confirm that they’re sugar-free.
Make Sure Your Child Gets Plenty of Fluids
There are many reasons to encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids while they have a cold or the flu – and one such reason is to protect their teeth and gums. Nasal congestion can cause your child to breathe through their mouth, which can dry up saliva. This is an issue because a dry mouth has a significantly higher risk for cavities and gum disease. By keeping your child hydrated, you can ensure that their mouth is producing enough saliva to maintain good oral health.
Have Your Child Rinse with Salt Water
Rinsing with salt water can be good for a sore throat, and it can kill the harmful bacteria that contribute to teeth and gum problems. If your child is at least 6 years old, having them rinse with salt water while they’re sick could help soothe some of their discomfort and protect their smile.
About the Author
Dr. Aarati Kalluri initially studied dentistry in India before moving to the United States, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of California in San Francisco. At Infinity Dental Care in Hillsboro, she’s more than happy to accept patients of all ages, and she offers a number of kid-friendly services such as silver diamine fluoride and dental sealants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kalluri, visit her website or call (503) 352-5116.