Cold and flu season is tough on everyone, but it can be especially challenging for parents with young children. When your child is under the weather, keeping them comfortable and helping them recover is your top priority. However, their oral health also deserves attention during this time. Illnesses like colds and the flu can create the perfect storm for bacteria to thrive in their mouth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum problems, and bad breath. By following these simple strategies, you can ensure your child’s smile stays healthy even when they’re not feeling their best.
Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is vital for your child’s overall health and their smile. When they’re sick, especially with a stuffy nose, they may breathe through their mouth, leading to dryness in their oral cavity. This dryness can reduce saliva production, leaving their mouth vulnerable to harmful bacteria.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water not only keeps them hydrated and helps flush toxins from their system, but it also supports saliva production. Saliva is your child’s natural defense against oral bacteria, as it washes away food particles and neutralizes acids that can harm their teeth. Keep a water bottle handy and remind them to take small sips often.
Maintain Their Brushing Routine
Being sick can make anyone feel like skipping daily routines, but it’s important that your child continues brushing their teeth twice a day. Brushing removes bacteria, food particles, and plaque, preventing cavities and gum inflammation.
If your child doesn’t feel like getting out of bed, consider brushing their teeth for them while they rest. Keep a glass of water and a small cup nearby to rinse and spit. By making it easy for them, you’ll help protect their smile and keep them feeling cared for.
Replace or Sanitize Their Toothbrush
Your child’s toothbrush can harbor germs, especially after a cold or flu. To avoid reinfection, replace their toothbrush once they’re feeling better. Letting them pick out a fun, new toothbrush can also make oral care feel like a treat.
If replacing the toothbrush immediately isn’t an option, sanitize it by boiling it in water for a few minutes. Also, store their toothbrush separately from others in the household to prevent spreading germs.
Rinse After Taking Liquid Medications
Many over-the-counter cold and flu medications come in syrup form, which often contains sugar to improve the taste. While these medicines can relieve symptoms, the sugary residue can stick to teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
To protect your child’s teeth, encourage them to rinse their mouth with water immediately after taking liquid medication. This simple step can prevent sugar from lingering on their teeth and causing decay. If your child is old enough, brushing after taking medication is an even better option.
Be Mindful of Cough Drops and Lozenges
Cough drops and throat lozenges can soothe a sore throat, but many of them are packed with sugar. Like liquid medications, sugary cough drops can leave a sticky residue on teeth, creating an environment for cavities to form.
Choose sugar-free versions of these remedies whenever possible, and remind your child to brush or rinse their mouth after use. If they’re old enough to chew sugar-free gum, this can also help stimulate saliva production and wash away harmful particles.
Protect Their Immune System With Healthy Snacks
When your child isn’t feeling well, you might be tempted to let them indulge in comfort foods like sugary drinks, popsicles, or desserts. While it’s okay to provide occasional treats, try to balance their diet with immune-boosting snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, and yogurt.
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like oranges (for vitamin C) and leafy greens (for calcium and folate), can support their immune system and promote strong teeth and gums. Offer soothing alternatives like warm soup or herbal teas to keep them nourished without compromising their oral health.
Keep Dental Appointments in Mind
If your child has a routine dental checkup scheduled during or shortly after their illness, it’s important to assess whether they’re well enough to attend. Reschedule if they’re still recovering to prevent spreading germs to others. Once they’re healthy, a dental visit can ensure their teeth and gums are in good shape and catch any potential issues early.
Prioritize Comfort and Recovery
No parent wants to see their child sick, but maintaining good oral health habits can help ease their recovery and prevent additional problems. By encouraging hydration, keeping up with brushing, and being mindful of sugary medications and snacks, you can protect your child’s smile while they heal.
Remember, good oral hygiene during illness isn’t just about their teeth—it’s about their overall well-being. A healthy smile is one less thing to worry about as your child gets back to their energetic, happy self.
Waco Dental Is Your Dental Care Provider
For patients seeking a family dentist, Dr. Martin can do it all: crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, root canals, extractions, dentures, and Invisalign–so you rarely will ever have to be referred to a specialist. For cosmetic and restorative services at Waco Dental, as well as twice-a-year exams and cleaning, call and schedule an appointment today at 254-754-3505.
