When you’re under the weather with a cold or flu, taking care of your mouth might not seem like a priority. However, maintaining good oral health when ill is essential for both recovery and long-term dental wellness. Illness can leave your mouth vulnerable to issues like dry mouth, enamel erosion, and plaque buildup, which can have lasting effects on your dental health.
In this blog, we’ll explore how illness impacts your oral health, whether poor dental hygiene affects your susceptibility to illness, and practical tips to care for your mouth during flu season.
How is your mouth impacted when you’re ill?
Being sick affects your mouth in several ways, especially if you’re dealing with cold or flu symptoms:
- Patient zero: Illnesses like the flu are spread in respiratory droplets, which often interact first with mucus and saliva in your respiratory passages. As a result, your mouth is often patient zero for illness, and spreads illness easily when particulars enter your mouth and are spread throughout your body.
- Dry mouth: Common cold remedies like decongestants or antihistamines often reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and protecting your teeth from decay.
- Exposure to stomach acid: Vomiting due to nausea or flu can bring harmful stomach acid into your mouth, weakening enamel and increasing teeth sensitivity.
- Neglected hygiene: Fatigue or discomfort experienced when you’re poorly may lead to skipping your brushing and flossing routine, allowing plaque and bacteria to build up.
These challenges make it vital to prioritise oral health when you’re ill to protect your teeth and gums from further harm.
Does poor oral health affect illness susceptibility?
The relationship between oral health and overall wellness is well-established. Research shows that poor dental hygiene can increase systemic inflammation and reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections like flu or even COVID-19.
- Gum disease and inflammation: Periodontal disease causes inflammation, which can weaken your immune system and make it harder to recover from illness.
- Bacteria and infections: Harmful oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream or respiratory tract, potentially exacerbating respiratory illnesses.
- Saliva’s and immunity: Saliva contains enzymes and antibodies that neutralise bacteria and viruses. A lack of saliva due to illness or dehydration reduces your mouth’s natural defenses.
Maintaining good oral hygiene supports your immune system, helping your body fight off illness more effectively.
Supporting your oral health when ill
To maintain dental health and support recovery during illness, follow these practical tips:
1. Stay hydrated
Illness often leads to dehydration, especially if you have a fever or are taking medications that cause dry mouth. Drink plenty of water to keep your saliva flowing and help wash away harmful bacteria. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks that can harm your enamel.
2. Rinse after vomiting
If you’ve been sick to your stomach, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. Stomach acid softens enamel, and brushing can cause further erosion. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralise the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
3. Limit sharing and contact
Sharing drinks, not covering your mouth or nose when you sneeze, or not using a face mask when you’re out and about can increase the spread of disease. Try to limit the interactions you have with others, particularly when you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
3. Use sugar-free throat sweets
Cough drops and throat sweets can soothe your throat, but many contain sugar that promotes tooth decay. Choose sugar-free options to protect your teeth while relieving your symptoms.
4. Don’t skip brushing and flossing
Even if you’re feeling unwell, it’s crucial to maintain your brushing and flossing routine. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if your gums feel sensitive, and consider a fluoride toothpaste for extra protection.
5. Sanitise or replace your toothbrush
Illness can transfer bacteria to your toothbrush. After recovering, sanitise your toothbrush by soaking it in antibacterial mouthwash or replace it with a new one.
6. Choose a gentle diet
Avoid sugary, acidic, or spicy foods that may irritate your throat or mouth. Opt for bland, soft foods like soups, bananas, or oatmeal, which are easier on your teeth and gums.
A final note
Taking care of your mouth when poorly is more important than you might think. Illness can lead to dry mouth, enamel erosion, and plaque buildup, all of which can harm your dental health if left unchecked. By staying hydrated, maintaining good hygiene, and making thoughtful choices about remedies and diet, you can protect your mouth and support your recovery.
At well, we are bringing dental wellness to life. We’re here to make it easier to keep mouths healthy and happy. Check out our range of preventive hygiene treatments bespoke to each patient, by heading over to our treatment page.