This time of the year is notoriously known as cold and flu season because everyone seems to be stuffy, coughing, and congested. From a study conducted between the months of November 2016 and January 2017, it was found that 59 percent of annual over-the-counter cold and flu remedies were purchased. This includes everything from decongestants to cough drops. The only problem is that many people aren’t aware of how these remedies can impact their oral health. Instead of fighting off an unforgiving cold only to find out cavities have formed in your mouth, follow these flu season tips from your dentist to learn how you can keep your oral health in great shape this winter.
Decongestants
If you’re taking any type of decongestant, your goal is probably to dry out your sinuses so you can function at work without dripping over everything. The problem is, the medicine could also cause your mouth to become dry. This is a common listed side-effect of decongestants that can have a major impact on your oral health, especially if you’re routinely using this cold remedy. The reduced amount of saliva in your mouth allows bacteria and sugar to remain stagnant, settling on your teeth, tongue, and oral tissues to cause common problems such as gum disease.
Cough Drops
Foods that slowly dissolve in your mouth are known to put your pearly whites at risk, especially if they contain added sugars or flavorings. The same goes for cough drops and sore throat lozenges during cold and flu season. While the medicinal ingredients may help clear up your symptoms, they also include other ingredients that are strictly meant to enhance the flavor, such as sugar. When sugar settles on your teeth, it increases your risk of developing dental decay and cavities, resulting in the need for fillings or even causing infections.
Syrups and Liquid Cold Medicines
Just like cough drops, syrups and different types of liquid cold medicine also contain sugar that sticks to teeth and leads to cavity formation. Some of these also contain additional ingredients that are harmful to your oral health, such as alcohol, which can cause dry mouth as well.
How Can You Beat Cavities This Flu Season?
To counteract the side-effects of common cold and flu remedies and keep your mouth healthy this season, be sure to take additional preventive measures to ensure that the harmful ingredients found in these medicines don’t cause cavities to develop. You can do this by:
- Staying hydrated with water.
- Choosing sugar-free medicines whenever possible.
- Drinking hot green tea that can fight off cavities and help soothe your throat.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily.
After fighting off a nasty cold, the last thing you would have the energy for is to treat oral health problems like cavities and infections. While it can feel hard to be motivated to stay on top of your dental hygiene routine while you’re sick, it’s incredibly important to do so. Without routine oral care while regularly taking common cold and flu remedies, you could end up needing an unexpected emergency visit with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Krunal Patel has over a decade of experience in the dental field. He’s dedicated to providing his patients with high-quality preventive treatments that tackle oral health problems while they’re still small. That way, his patients can avoid experiencing pain and needing major dental procedures down the road. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, which gives him the resources he needs to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the dental field. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Advanced Smile Design’s website or call 215-659-3334.
