Cold and flu season has arrived, which means there’s a good chance your children have already or will soon begin sneezing, coughing, and combatting a stuffy nose. While your focus may be trying to help them feel better with various over-the-counter medicines and sprays, you might unknowingly be giving them things that can negatively affect their smile. Instead of simply treating a sore throat or runny nose, you might also need to address cavity-stricken teeth. Here are 3 ways to safeguard your children’s teeth while helping them feel better.
Make Sure They Brush & Floss
No matter the age of your children, they need to make sure they’re brushing and flossing in the morning and before bed. They may not feel like it because they’re sick, but bad bacteria and germs brought on by cold and flu can lead to disastrous consequences inside the mouth.
You can observe their routine to make sure they’re brushing for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste twice a day as well as flossing between their teeth at least once. This will eliminate unnecessary bacteria that can hide and attempt to cause cavities and gum disease – two problems that are more likely to occur, especially if your child’s immune system is already weakened.
Make Sure They Drink a Lot of Water
While sick, your child should primarily drink water. While it’s important to restore electrolytes in their body, water is the most recommended fluid because of its hydrating capabilities.
Also, its consumption encourages salivary glands to start producing more readily, which helps neutralize harmful acids that might otherwise try to cause problems. Having a moist mouth minimizes the chances of bad bacteria remaining in an environment that can be prone to cavities and gum disease. Since dry mouth is common when children are sick (because of certain medications they may be taking), you will always want to make sure there is a glass of water nearby for your little one to consume.
Be Mindful of Sugary Medicines
Whether it’s a lozenge, cough syrup, or another type of cold and flu medicine, these over-the-counter remedies can contain a lot of sugar if you’re not careful about what you buy.
It’s natural to be concerned about the type of medicine you purchase for your child, as you want it to be safe and effective; however, you also don’t want to treat one problem only to have another one rear its head (i.e., cavities).
Look for sugar-free options to lower the chances of your child developing a cavity while trying to get better from the cold or flu.
These helpful tips will allow your little one to enjoy a healthier smile even when they don’t feel too good. By making the right choices at the drugstore and helping them stay on top of their oral hygiene and dietary needs, they’ll feel better sooner and without the fear of cavities or gum disease.
About the Author
Dr. Nisha Mehta is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is also a mother. Understanding the challenges many parents face when attempting to take proper care of their child’s teeth and gums, she and her team at Wellspring Pediatric Dentistry are here to deliver helpful tips to make life easier. For example, when a young patient is battling the cold or flu, she can offer suggestions to reduce the chances of cavities while also helping them get better over time. Visit our website or call us at (281) 849-3003 if you need help to care for a sick child but want to avoid the possibility of dental decay.