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Can Cold and Flu Remedies Harm Your Teeth?

November 9, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — purpleplumdentistry @ 10:33 pm

woman blowing her nose

Autumn is in full swing, which unfortunately means that cold and flu season is upon us. That can mean lots of sleepless nights where you’re unable to breathe through your nose, mountains of used tissues piling up, and days spent at home with a terrible fever. Of course, there are store-bought and home remedies you can use, but just how do these medications affect your teeth? A dentist is here with the answers.

Decongestants

Decongestants help you combat a runny nose by drying things out. Unfortunately, they sometimes work a little too well by drying out your entire head and giving you dry mouth. This is a condition where there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth. Although it sounds gross, you actually want more saliva, not less. Saliva helps wash your mouth out of leftover food particles that attract bacteria and cause cavities and gum disease. To prevent this issue, drink lots of water when you are taking decongestants.

Cough Drops

Oftentimes, cough drops are flavored with sugar. Since they dissolve slowly in your mouth, your teeth are exposed to sugar over a long period of time. Generally, it’s not the amount of sugar you eat that affects tooth decay, it’s how long that sugar is allowed to remain in your mouth. To combat this, choose sugar-free cough drops instead. If that’s not an option, brush your teeth right after consuming them.

Liquid Cold Medicine

Much like cough drops, cough syrup and other liquid cold medicines usually contain sugar. These sticky, thick liquids often leave a coating of sugar all over your teeth, increasing your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Some of these medicines also may contain alcohol, which decreases your saliva production. When you can, choose gel caps or pills instead of liquid cold medication.

Orange Juice

Orange juice contains vitamin C, which is excellent in helping your body fight off colds. Unfortunately, it’s another one of the many flu remedies that can harm your teeth. Because orange juice is highly acidic, it can soften your tooth enamel, leaving it more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay. However, to combat this, it’s best to drink all the orange juice you’re going to in one sitting, and brush your teeth half an hour or so afterwards.

Protect your dental health as well as your general health during cold and flu season. Brush more frequently, drinks lots of water, and opt for sugar-free medications when possible. And, of course, remember to see your dentist regularly!

About the Author

Dr. Anita Kianimanesh is the owner and founder of her dental practice, Purple Plum Dentistry in Falls Church, VA. She is passionate about helping her patients of all ages achieve the best oral care they can, despite any other health issues they may have, like a cold. She has completed advanced training through Spear to hone her skills with the latest techniques that modern dentistry has to offer. For more questions, or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, click here to contact her office.

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