Find Out if Cold and Flu Remedies Can Negatively Impact Your Oral Health

You can feel it: the pressure in your sinuses, the sore throat, and runny nose. When the symptoms of cold and flu arrive, you might be eager to stop them in their tracks by running to your local drug store and buying everything you can get your hands on. While this might seem like a good idea, it may not be the most beneficial, especially when it can negatively impact your oral health. Find out how which flu season tips and remedies can actually harm your teeth and gums.

Drying it Out with Decongestants

When seeing a doctor about how to combat your cold and flu symptoms, it’s likely they’ll recommend a decongestant to help dry things out. Although beneficial in helping to stop the running nose, it can also dry out your mouth. This can result in harmful bacteria building on your tongue, gums, and teeth and lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If taking a decongestant, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and your mouth from drying out.

Soothing the Throat with Cough Drops

From cherry and lemon to almost any other flavor you can imagine, cough drops and throat lozenges can help alleviate discomfort, making it possible to actual swallow without feeling any pain. Since many of these small, medicinal tablets contain sugar, the amount of time they spend dissolving in your mouth can increase your chances of developing tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria loves sugar, so when it sits on the teeth or in the mouth for too long, the bacteria can spread and burrow into the enamel, causing holes also known as cavities. These will require your dentist to place a filling in your tooth to prevent reinfection.

When shopping for a sore throat remedy, opt for sugar-free alternatives.

Liquid Medications to Ease Cough and Cold

The sugar contents in cough syrup and liquid cold medicine can also lead to tooth decay because of its sticky substance and ability to coat your teeth and gums. These products also contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and leave you with bad breath and increased bacteria. Instead of buying liquid medications, choose gel-caps or pills when possible.

Warming the Body with Hot Tea

A nice, warm glass of hot tea sounds like the ideal solution to fight off your cold and flu symptoms. But depending on the type of tea you drink and any additives you slip into your cup, it can cause problems for your oral health. While it can soothe a sore throat, tea is known to erode tooth enamel, and if you choose to add sugar or honey, you are at risk for tooth decay. If hot tea is something you simply cannot give up or avoid, try drinking it through a straw to reduce the amount of contact it has with your teeth and gums. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water in addition to your tea and take a few minutes after consuming to brush your teeth.

We know it can be a miserable time battling what winter weather often brings, but if you keep in mind these valuable tips, you can not only knock out your cold, but you’ll also keep your teeth and gums healthy in the process.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we offer our patients the best for optimal dental care. We take pride in offering valuable patient education in addition to the comprehensive services we provide to meet all of your family’s needs. As the weather cools down and cold and flu season arrives, you might be tempted to try many of the available remedies to combat your symptoms. But before you start buying every product on the shelf, you may want to check with us to find out how or if it can harm your teeth and gums. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (308) 382-4440.