When you’re sick with a cold or the flu, one of the last things on your mind is oral hygiene. Unfortunately, it’s more important than ever during this time! The medicines that can help you feel better when you’re suffering from a cold may speed up your recovery, but they can also cause damage to your teeth. Here are some of the ways cold and flu medications can hurt your teeth and what you can do to prevent these adverse side effects.

How Can Cold Medicines Impact Your Teeth?

1. Decongestants & Antihistamines

Decongestant and antihistamines can help when you have a runny or stuffy nose. Unfortunately, one of the main side-effects of these medications is dry mouth. Your mouth can begin to produce less saliva, which is essential for putting a stop to bacterial growth. This can result in bacteria clinging to your teeth and gums instead of being washed away, and this increase in bacteria can eventually contribute to tooth decay or gum disease. To offset this effect, drink even more water than you usually would in order to keep your mouth moist.

2. Cough Drops & Lozenges 

While cough drops and lozenges are perfect for soothing a sore throat, the actual healing ingredients in them don’t taste that pleasant. Extra sugar is often added to improve the flavor. Since cough drops are intended to melt in your mouth, this gives sugar extra time to attack your teeth and cause tooth decay. If you can, look out for sugar-free options, or the same medication in an alternative form, like a gel or pill. Also, do your best to keep up with your oral hygiene routine and brush regularly.

3. Cough Syrup & Other Liquid Medications 

Like lozenges, cough syrup and other liquid medications are made to taste sugary-sweet to disguise the unpleasant taste of the ingredients. Though it doesn’t linger in your mouth as a cough drop does, the sticky substance is likely to stick to your teeth, attracting bacteria and contributing to tooth decay. Once again, search out alternatives to these medications and opt for a pill or capsule instead. If you have no choice but to take a liquid, try taking these before you eat. Food is a natural aid to saliva production and will help to rinse away the bacteria that could accumulate.

If you’d like to learn more about oral hygiene and protecting your teeth during a cold, check out Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC in Somerset, KY. Dr. Brandi is dedicated to providing premium care to your child and strives to create a friendly and helpful atmosphere. She knows bringing your child to the dentist isn’t always easy, so she and her staff make sure to go the extra mile to ease your child’s discomfort. For more information about her services, visit her Facebook page, or call (606) 679-5437 today.