COLD AND FLU TREATMENTS WITH ORAL HEALTH

Cold and Flu Treatments With Oral Health

Cold and flu season is upon us. While a cold is less severe than a flu they have similiar symptoms of chills, fever, congetsion, runny nose, sinus infections, headaches, cough, and sore throat. Home remedies include the same protocol for both concentrating on rest, hydration, relieving congestion and fever if necessary. The importance of a strong immune system plays a significant role in the treatment plan. People who are vulnerable will have more and severe symptoms, longer duration and recovery when fighting the flu and cold. So a prolong use of over the counter medicines that can be harmful to the mouth.

Cough Medicines: Use of cold syrup may increase dental problems since these medicines contain sugar and alcohol. Sugar as it’s known is a main culprit for causing decay by feeding on the bacteria to release an acidic byproduct and softening the teeth resulting in a cavity. Alcohol dries the mouth which makes it another main culprit for decay by minimizing saliva production and allowing acid and bacteria to stick to the teeth. Take with food to neutralize the acidity.

Cough drops and lozenges: These products are usually made with sugar and sucking on them throughout the day for multiple minutes at a time can increase the risk of decay by prolonging an acidic environment, especially when homecare is poor. Use sugar-free products.

Decongestants: The function of decongestants is to dry up the mucus production. While drying up the sinuses it can also dry up the mouth to promote sticking of the plaque. Brush regularly , dry brush or wipe the teeth throughout the day to remove the fuzziness of plaque.

Sugar consumption: While congestion itself affects smell and taste it makes eating unpleasant. Under these conditions, higher sugar consumption may lead to higher risks of decay. Juices especially orange juice may be consumed to acquire more vitamin C. Juice is acidic and sugary — two detriments for enamel wear and sensitivity. If a sore throat is present softer foods are more agreeable and a likely higher sugar content such as pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, popsicles, jello, ginger ale, and sprite may be consumed to soothe the aggravating heat in the throat. Brushing before sugar consumption to remove plaque to lower an acid attack OR rinse afterwards to neutralize the acid attack.

The use of over the counter products can be heaven for relief of symptoms or simply just helping with sleep. More important is good homecare of brushing and flossing. That really goes unsaid for all times but when there’s oral health detriments it’s even more crucial.After beating the flu or cold and your teeth feel sensitive it could be from the lack of homecare, cold medciation use and the natural defense system of the body causing symptoms. The lack of attention and plaque accumulation in the mouth can lead to an unfamiliar sensitivity. Give it a few weeks with your normal oral health routine and monitor for improvement. Most likely if sensitivty is generalized rather than localized the mouth and teeth are still recovering and it isn’t a tooth issue. But if pain persists it is most likely a tooth issue, so taking care of it sooner than later is always advisable.