Nobody’s a big fan of getting a cold or the flu, and these illnesses have a way of spreading around during the colder months. Sore throats, stuffy noses, coughing fits, and that nasty itchy feeling are all great ways to put a damper on several weeks, and nobody wants their kids to have to deal with that. While it’s important to keep your children healthy or care for them while they are sick during cold and flu season, it’s also crucial to help them maintain their oral health. Here are a few tips for keeping your child on top of their oral hygiene during cold and flu season.
Get Them a New Toothbrush
A toothbrush is an excellent weapon against tooth decay and gum disease, but it can be a little too easy to use the same toothbrush for too long. Toothbrushes need to be replaced regularly as they can accrue bacteria and their bristles can weaken over many uses. If you’re nervous about germs or if your child is feeling under the weather, it’s a great idea to wipe the slate clean by getting a fresh toothbrush.
You should also make sure toothbrushes are stored properly. This means storing them in open air rather than in medicine cabinets and positioning them upright with a toothbrush holder to help them dry out after use. This will prevent bacteria from multiplying on them.
Skip the Sugary Cough Syrups
A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but it won’t do any favors for your oral health. Many popular cold and flu remedies such as cough syrups and electrolyte beverages can be heavy in sugars that feed the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. While children aren’t usually too keen on the regular flavors of medicines, you shouldn’t sacrifice their dental health to help them take their medicine. When shopping for cold and flu remedies, take care to buy sugar-free products.
Make Sure They Drink Plenty of Fluids
Being sick is hard on the body, and it’s important that a kid dealing with a cold or flu stays hydrated. Proper hydration has a variety of oral health benefits, not the least of which being that it promotes healthy saliva flow that helps flush the mouth clean of bacteria, food debris, and harmful chemicals. This will help prevent cavities and gum disease. Be sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids that contain no added sugar.
No one wants to deal with a sick child and everyone with a sick child wants them to recover quickly. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your child keep their teeth in great shape during cold and flu season.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry and stays on top of the latest trends in dentistry by attending continuing education classes, symposiums, and seminars. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Carrollton, TX offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on protecting your child’s oral health, contact the office online or dial (972) 492-6700.