Cold and flu season can be tough on kids—and their parents. While your focus may be on helping your child recover quickly, it’s essential not to overlook their oral health during this time. Illnesses can create the perfect environment for oral issues, such as cavities or gum inflammation, but with a few mindful practices, you can help your child maintain a healthy smile. Here’s how:
Keep Them Hydrated
When your child is sick, keeping them hydrated is more than just a way to help their body recover; it’s also essential for their oral health. If they’re experiencing nasal congestion, they may resort to breathing through their mouth, especially while sleeping. This can cause their oral cavity to become dry, reducing saliva production.
Saliva plays a critical role in protecting teeth and gums by washing away harmful bacteria and food particles. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help their salivary glands stay active and flush out toxins. Not only will this support their recovery, but it will also help prevent bacteria from settling in and causing dental problems.
Encourage Brushing and Flossing
Even when your child feels under the weather, maintaining their dental hygiene routine is vital. Illness often brings a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially if they’re coughing or consuming sugary medications.
If they’re too tired to brush on their own, offer to help them. You can make it easier by bringing their toothbrush and toothpaste to their bedside, along with a glass of water and a spit cup. A quick brush and floss can go a long way in removing harmful particles and reducing the risk of cavities or gum inflammation.
Replace Their Toothbrush Once Your Child Feels Better
Once your child has recovered, it’s important to replace their toothbrush. Germs from a cold or flu virus can linger in the bristles, potentially reinfecting them or spreading the illness to others in your household.
Letting your child pick out a new toothbrush can turn this task into a fun post-illness ritual. Alternatively, you can sanitize their toothbrush by boiling it briefly in water, but be aware that this may shorten the lifespan of the bristles. To minimize the risk of spreading germs, always store your child’s toothbrush separately from others in the household.
Rinse After Liquid Medications
Many liquid cold and flu medications contain high amounts of sugar to make them more palatable for kids. Unfortunately, this sugar can cling to your child’s teeth, creating an ideal environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.
To combat this, have your child rinse their mouth with water immediately after taking liquid medicine. If they’re up for it, brushing their teeth afterward is even better. This simple step can help prevent sugar from sticking to their teeth and causing decay during an already challenging time.
Offer Tooth-Friendly Comfort Foods
Sick days often come with cravings for comfort foods, but not all of them are kind to your child’s teeth. Opt for tooth-friendly options like sugar-free popsicles, warm soups, and soft fruits such as bananas or applesauce. Avoid sugary or sticky snacks, as these can contribute to cavities.
Additionally, if your child uses throat lozenges or cough drops, choose sugar-free varieties. Always remind them not to bite or chew these products, as this can damage their teeth.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
Cold and flu viruses spread easily within families, but a few precautions can help minimize the risk. Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes, wash their hands frequently, and avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses. Keeping their toothbrush separate from others is another critical step in containing germs.
Prioritize Regular Dental Visits
While your child may not be able to visit the dentist during an active illness, regular checkups are crucial for catching and addressing any oral health concerns. If your child experiences a dental emergency, such as a toothache or gum swelling, reach out to their pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
A Healthy Smile for a Healthy Recovery
No parent likes to see their child sick, but keeping their oral health in mind during cold and flu season can prevent additional problems down the road. By staying proactive with hydration, hygiene, and simple precautions, you can help your child recover without compromising their smile.
When the sniffles have passed and your child is feeling better, celebrate their recovery with a new toothbrush and their favorite healthy snack. With these tips, you’ll ensure that their teeth and gums stay in great shape all year long.
Choose Aloe Dental Wellness For All Your Dentistry Needs
At Aloe Dental Wellness, you can expect the very best in dental care with Dr. Daniela Cadavid. Before your appointment, you can expect to enjoy soothing music and fresh coffee, tea, and water in our relaxing patient lounge. Our office is a child-friendly, family-oriented environment, and we pride ourselves on the ability to make patients of all ages comfortable.
Dr. Cadavid is glad to offer a brand-new office equipped with the latest technology and services in both English and Spanish to UCSB students and staff, as well as the surrounding communities. Aloe Dental Wellness in Santa Barbara County is proud to provide general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services to meet the needs of your entire family as well. For an appointment, call us at 805-454-7727 today.
