On your best day, you may feel more than up to the task of taking care of your smile. Unfortunately, not every day can be a “best” day. On days when you feel under the weather, it can be hard to motivate yourself to take care of basic responsibilities that normally give you no trouble. One thing to avoid is letting your illness interfere with your oral hygiene routine. If you ignore your teeth in these situations, you can allow bacteria to thrive and continue hurting your teeth! At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are here to help you maintain your oral health through smart preventive dental care. Make sure you practice smart preventive care when you feel sick, as doing so can help you avoid problems with tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Don’t Let Oral Hygiene Slip While You Feel Ill!
If you have a cold, the flu, or another condition, it may be hard to leave your couch or bed. While this is certainly understandable, be careful about letting your illness keep you from basic oral hygiene. Plaque deposits can form and harden to tartar in a relatively short time, so a break in oral care can lead to new oral health difficulties. Tartar deposits make you more susceptible to cavities, and may increase your risk for gum disease as well.
Make Water Your Drink Of Choice While You Try To Stay Hydrated
When sick, it is important that you stay hydrated. As a means of staying hydrated, water can be hard to beat. Drinking plenty of it can help you body fight an infection. Drinking it in place of flavored beverages can help you avoid enamel erosion, and also limit your intake of sugar. It might not surprise you to hear that soft drinks and juices are high in sugar. You should also be aware that they are acidic, which can weaken your enamel so that it is easier for teeth stains and cavities to develop.
Do Your Cough Drops Contain Sugar?
For people who have a consistent cough, cough drops can provide important relief. Unfortunately, many brands contain sugar, so idly holding one in your mouth for a prolonged period exposes your smile to food for oral bacteria. Sugar-free drops are available – make sure you pick them up if you want to avoid dental fillings or a dental crown at your next routine dental visit!
Dental Impressions At Ankeny, IA Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile
At Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, we can provide important preventive care for you whenever you come in for a checkup. With that said, we want you to do your part by protecting your smile between visits, even when you feel under the weather! To find out more about smart oral care while you feel sick, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
