When you get into the fall and winter, you may be preparing for your child to have the flu or a cold. They may catch one of them during this season, and you will do your part in helping them feel their best once again. However, these illnesses can potentially spell bad news for their oral health. It’s important you make sure their smile doesn’t suffer while they aren’t feeling their best, so here are four tips that can help their growing grin.
1.) Have Your Child Drink Plenty of Water
If your loved one has a cold or the flu, they are more likely to become dehydrated. Not only that, but they might even breathe through their mouth to deal with any congestion. Both can cause dry mouth, which can make them more likely to develop cavities or even gum disease. To help combat this, make sure they drink plenty of water.
2.) Swap to Sugar-Free Medicine
Cough drops, syrups, and other similar medicines may help give your child relief from their symptoms, but they are often full of sugar to make taking them more pleasant. This particle is bad for their oral health since it can increase their risk of cavities. While they may help your loved ones, the types that are sucked on introduce sugar to their smile for prolonged periods of time. Instead, try to reach for sugar-free options, simply check the ingredients to make sure it’s not included.
3.) Get Your Child a New Toothbrush Once They’re Better
As your child recovers from their illness, you should toss out their toothbrush right away. The germs that caused it could still be on the bristles, making them sick once again. It’s better to just throw it away and give them a new one; that way, they don’t fall ill again and stay feeling better when it’s all gone.
4.) Let Them Rinse with Salt Water
Kids who are six years or older may benefit from doing a saltwater rinse. This simple thing can help them fight against harmful bacteria in their mouth. It’ll wash away germs that can lead to cavities and gum disease while also soothing a sore throat. By doing it a couple of times a day while also brushing and flossing, they can hopefully avoid any dental problems.
By being proactive about your child’s oral health, you can help keep their smiles in great shape while preventing them from developing the illness they had.
About the Author
Dr. Lydia Brett earned her dental degree from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and then went on to complete a UTHealth Houston Pediatric Dental Residency. This has given her the ability to treat the kids in the Bellaire community with the highest quality care possible. Dr. Lydia is happy to help your loved one get the happy and healthy smiles they deserve through routine visits. If it’s time for their next semi-annual checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call her office at (832) 409-3998.