December has arrived, and although many families are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season, it’s also cold and flu season. Whether you’re traveling to see loved ones this time of year or are struggling to keep everyone healthy over the holiday break from school, it’s important to prioritize dental health if your child gets sick. Otherwise, the additional germs and illness increase their vulnerability to oral issues like cavities or gum disease.
Continue reading to learn 3 tips to safeguard your child’s smile when they’re feeling unwell!
Care Tip #1: Encourage Them to Drink Lots of Water
If your little one has caught a cold, they will likely breathe through their mouth when their nose gets too stuffy. Unfortunately, this results in dry mouth, which can lead to additional dental concerns. Saliva is the body’s natural defense because it rinses away leftover food, unhealthy germs, and other debris that contribute to tooth decay and periodontal problems.
If your kid’s mouth isn’t moist enough, they’re more likely to experience issues. Drinking plenty of water helps in several ways. It hydrates their body to boost their immune system and enhance their resistance to disease. It also keeps their mouth clear of unwanted particles that cause cavities and gingivitis.
Care Tip #2: Change Their Toothbrush
Under normal circumstances, the American Dental Association recommends that people replace their toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months. Not only do the bristles wear down over time with repeated usage, but they also trap plenty of germs that you put back into your mouth when you use it.
However, if your child has been feeling unwell, it’s a good idea to replace their toothbrush with a new one so they don’t reintroduce the same virus that caused their illness. Thankfully, it’s usually easy to find a fun option in their favorite color or featuring a popular character that can put a grin on their face and boost their mood.
Care Tip #3: Have Them Rinse with Salt Water
Although brushing and flossing twice daily is essential to preventing plaque buildup, your child might need to take a brief break from their usual dental hygiene routine if they’re nauseated and vomiting. The acid damage from the fluid that comes back up can wear down the protective enamel of their teeth. If they brush immediately afterward, they risk eroding it prematurely.
To preserve their smile, have them rinse with salt water after they’ve been sick to clean and naturally disinfect their mouth more gently. Then, if they’re feeling better in 30 minutes to an hour, you can have them try brushing.
Following these tips can preserve your little one’s grin so they won’t need a dental visit once they recover!
About the Practice
At Brown, Reynolds, Snow, LeNoir Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a team of experts who provide a full array of services from two convenient locations. With 40+ years of combined experience, they welcome patients of all ages and provide everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide award-winning care with a focus on patient comfort. You can request an appointment on the website or call (804) 288-5324.