Your oral health is the most important factor to consider when caring for your smile, and this means taking care to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash daily. Indeed, updating your preventive dental regimen can benefit your smile greatly, and believe it or not, at-home care is necessary during all occasions, including when you become ill or sick. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist explains the way illness can influence your oral health and what you can do to care for your grin.
Acid from Bile
It goes without saying that nobody would be sick if we had the option to choose, however, this is far from reality. The truth is, we may take strides to protect ourselves and our families from various diseases out there, but all it takes is one incident of exposure for an issue to arise. Indeed, millions of people every year catch the common cold or the flu, and many more are exposed to individuals who have been ill as well.
When afflicted with some form of illness, you may experience a range of different symptoms. Further, individuals may experience vomiting, or the necessary expulsion of harmful stomach contents. Indeed, nobody is a fan of vomiting, but many times it is necessary in the long run for you to feel better.
One thing you might not know about the process, however, is that the stomach acid contained in bile can actually cause your naturally-occurring enamel present on your teeth to erode. As a result, our team recommends swishing and spitting following an incident of vomiting and then brushing your teeth using a toothpaste with fluoride. Contact our team to learn more today.
Sugary Cough Syrups
In addition to vomiting, another common symptom you may experience includes coughing. For children, in particular, your pediatrician may recommend cough syrup to soothe an irritated throat. Be cautious, however, that you are pursuing cough syrups with minimal amounts of sugar.
You see, sugar feeds oral bacteria and cause them to produce harmful acids that lead to tooth decay and issues of gum disease or infection. Opt for the healthier option, as it is better for your smile health and overall well-being. Give our team a call today to learn more about this process.
Not Getting Enough Water
Alongside the previous tips, the biggest piece of advice we can provide patients when they are ill is to ensure they are getting enough water. Indeed, people who become sick may also experience a greater chance of becoming hydrated, and water not only hydrates your body, but active fluoride helps keep your teeth strong.
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the importance of maintaining health while ill.
