As important as it is to rest when you’re ill, it is equally important to maintain your oral hygiene since it can be affected by nausea. Good dental care keeps bacteria from building up in the mouth while preventing issues such as enamel erosion and tooth decay, which can also lead to problems with your overall health. Here, review practices dentists want you to follow.

How to Care for Your Oral Hygiene When You’re Ill

1. Rinse Your Mouth After Vomiting

Flush your mouth with water after every vomiting episode to keep stomach acid from coating your teeth and breaking down tooth enamel. Continue sipping water while waiting about 20 minutes before brushing your teeth. Water helps rinse the acid while saliva neutralizes it so you aren’t brushing the substance into your enamel.

2. Continue Your Normal Brushing & Flossing Routine

Brush and floss as usual to keep bacteria from building up in your mouth and forming plaque along the gumline. Clean your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss once daily. Rub the filament between each tooth and under the gumline to form a “C” shape to remove food particles, bacteria, and acids.

3. Use Sugar-Free Cough Drops & Throat Lozenges

Get relief from sugar-free medications, such as throat lozenges and cough drops. Those made with sugar are similar to hard candy in that they coat the mouth with decay-causing materials. If your medication does contain sugar or acid, rinse your mouth with water after taking it.

4.  Drink Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated to help your mouth as well as your recovery. Not only do you need extra fluids to purge your body of the invading virus or bacteria and to keep your mouth free of extra acid and sugar, but you also need it to prevent dry mouth. This issue is a common medication side effect and one that allows bacteria and plaque to flourish.

5. Replace Your Toothbrush

Use a new toothbrush as soon as you are better to prevent reinfection. Never share your toothbrush, even when you are healthy, to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, keep your brush upright in its container and separate from other toothbrushes. 

Maintain your oral hygiene with services from Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC. The family dentist provides residents throughout Coweta, OK, and the surrounding communities with general and cosmetic dentistry services as well as flexible scheduling. Call (918) 486-6516 today to make an appointment or visit the dentist online for a service list. Like the Facebook page for more dental care tips.