How to Take Care of Your Oral Health When You’re Sick
When you’re sick, a lot of the things on your to-do list go by the wayside. It’s important to remember that your oral health and overall health are connected. Taking care of one, can definitely help the other! Here are a few tips to take care of your oral and overall health when you’re under the weather.
Dentist Camberwell
Drink plenty of water
Not only does staying hydrated help your body feel better, but it is also important for good oral health. Water helps to wash away food particles and encourages saliva production. Saliva works as a natural defense against cavity-causing bacteria that buildup on teeth over time. If you’re sick and are having difficulty drinking water normally, we recommend using a straw.
Dentist Hawthorn
Avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages
Although many people love the idea of eating popsicles when they’re sick, we recommend avoiding them since their high sugar content can promote tooth decay or enamel erosion over time. Fermented fruit juices such as grape juice can also be acidic and contribute to enamel erosion too. Be sure to check labels and monitor sugar and acidic in your daily diet.
Dentist Kew
Rinse with salt water
Salt water helps to kill bacteria that may be on your toothbrush. Simply dissolve two teaspoons of salt into a cup of warm water and use the mixture as you normally would with regular tap water.
Use mouthwash if possible.
We recommend rinsing twice daily with mouthwash to help kill bacteria and protect against infections in addition to brushing and flossing.
Dentist Surrey Hills
Eat nutritious foods and snacks.
When you’re sick, your immune system is weak and your body needs to be able to fight off infections. Nutritious foods like leafy greens, yogurt, beans or lean meats can help provide energy to strengthen your immune system.
An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but it also helps to brush away harmful bacteria from your mouth. Snack on an apple if you can’t brush or rinse after eating sugary foods. The fibrous texture will help ‘brush’ away food particles.
Dentist Mont Albert
Reschedule your appointment
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to stay home and take care of yourself. Reschedule your appointment with us when your cold and flu symptoms have gone away. We have implemented additional health and safety protocols in our office to keep everyone healthy. We understand if you aren’t feeling well and would be happy to check in on your oral health when you’re feeling better.
Dentist Deepdene
Tower Dental in Balwyn is proud to offer a range of dental services from general checkups to cosmetic procedures including veneers or teeth whitening! Call us today and schedule an appointment and keep your oral health on track.
Our clinic is conveniently located close to Kew, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Deepdene and Camberwell. Please feel free to contact our caring dentists on 03) 9817 7144 for any of your dental needs.