When you’re sick it’s easy to disregard your teeth and focus on the runny nose, muscle aches, and chills. But while it’s ok to crash on the couch most of the day, it’s important to stagger to the sink and brush those teeth every now and then. Here are some more easy ways to take care of your mouth when you’re under the weather.

Cut Down on the Sugar

Those menthol-fresh cough drops may feel great to your throat, but they can wreak havoc in your mouth, especially if you’re popping one after another to get through the day. Choose a sugar-free version and rinse or brush your teeth afterward. Even medicines can contain quite a bit of sugar, so opt for sugar-free there too. Many of us turn to sports drinks to replace electrolytes or fizzy sodas to calm an upset stomach, but most of the time water is just as beneficial and doesn’t come with the sugary side effects.

Chug the Water

Keep the sweet drinks in moderation, but make sure to chug water to stay hydrated. Congestion can lead to breathing through your mouth, and that can dry things out. A dry mouth means less saliva to wash away food particles, which can then burrow in and cause cavities. It can also cause bad breath and scare away well-wishers who come take care of you. Besides the benefits to your mouth, drinking plenty of water helps the rest of your body attach the nasty germs that got you in this predicament in the first place, helping you recover faster.

Brush, But Wait…

One of the most unpleasant sickness side effects of flu season quite literally leaves a bad taste in your mouth. After vomiting, one of your first reactions will probably be to reach for your toothbrush. Sounds like a great idea, right? Not so fast—brushing right away can actually spread the acid and germs around your mouth. First, rinse with warm water and a little bit of baking soda. Wait a few minutes and then brush away all of those germs. Make sure to brush your tongue and floss too. This is no time to skimp on the cleaning.

Banish the Germs

Did you know that cold and flu germs can live in your mouth? Brushing your teeth regularly can help get rid of those germs and reduce the risk of passing them on to someone else when you cough or sneeze. And of course, remember to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.

When the inevitable sickness strikes this cold and flu season, relax and take it easy. But if you want to recover quickly without compromising your dental health, don’t neglect those pearly whites. If you haven’t been in the last few months, now is a great time to contact Dupont Dental for an appointment. They’ll make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape going into this cold and flu season and give you expert advice on the right dental care plan to protect your mouth from those big, bad germs.

You might assume that you don’t need to clean your child’s baby teeth or take your child to the dentist until they get their permanent teeth. After all, their baby teeth fall out, right? Yes, but getting your child’s baby teeth cleaned and examined is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health. Keep reading to learn all about the importance of baby teeth cleaning — and why it’s never too early for your child to begin a great oral care routine.

Why should you get your child’s baby teeth cleaned?

Even though they only last a few years, baby teeth are extremely important for your child’s oral health and development, as well as his/her overall health. These baby teeth help children chew, speak and smile. Also, they hold space in the mouth for permanent teeth.

As soon as your child’s baby teeth come in (usually starting around six months old), tooth decay can begin. This not only causes pain for your baby, but it can also destroy your child’s teeth and gums. Also, an untreated cavity in a baby tooth can cause serious or even deadly infections. Furthermore, tooth decay can cause trouble with eating, which can lead to your child not getting enough vitamins and minerals to grow up healthily.

Even as an infant, beginning your child’s life with good oral care can help protect their teeth for a lifetime. It’s never too early to begin taking great care of your child’s oral health.

What can you do to help keep your child cavity-free?

To help keep your child’s mouth healthy, it’s vital to clean his/her baby teeth regularly. As soon as you see your child’s first tooth coming in, it’s important to start a few key habits:

• Wipe your baby’s gums after he/she eats. (Try using a clean, damp washcloth.) This helps remove bits of food and plaque.
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day (morning and night) with a child-sized toothbrush and child-safe toothpaste.
• Floss your child’s teeth every time you brush them.
• Never put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup.
• Don’t put pacifiers in your mouth before giving them to your child. (Decay-causing bacteria in your mouth can easily be passed to your child.)
• Limit the amount of juice, other sugary drinks, and sweets that you give your child.

When should your child see a dentist?

Dupont Dental usually does not see children until they are three years old, as this is the age when all baby teeth have come in, and children can typically fully understand and cooperate with an exam. However, if you have concerns and would like your child to be seen sooner, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re always here to answer any questions!

Remember: Even though baby teeth fall out, keeping them clean is the beginning of a healthy oral care routine for your much-loved child.

Aging is more than just wrinkles and gray hair. Every part of the body changes with aging, and the teeth and mouth are not exempt. Aging affects your oral health in many ways, and learning about these changes will help you regain control of your oral health at any age.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth also called xerostomia, affects many seniors. Dry mouth, in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva, is more than just an uncomfortable condition; dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can be caused by a medical condition (such as Parkinson’s) or by medication. Unfortunately, many medications commonly used in the aging population, including blood pressure medicine, cause xerostomia. Treating the symptoms of dry mouth can help prevent the decay associated with xerostomia:

• Drink daily recommended amount of water each day
• Chew sugarless gum
• Limit alcohol intake

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, an infection in the gums, is characterized by red swollen gums that bleed during brushings. While this disease can affect anyone, seniors are more at risk for periodontal disease than any other age group. Bacteria-laden build-up often causes infections. This disease can be reduced or prevented by:

• Brushing and flossing well to remove the buildup: consider an electric brush and pre-flossed flossers for any senior with dexterity issues
• Reduce acidic foods and sugary food
• Avoid smoking

If you or a loved one is at risk for periodontal disease, a good oral care routine can help keep your mouth as healthy as can be.

Problems associated with bone loss

Bone loss, particularly for women, is a frequent complaint of those already experiencing changes associated with age. It is this bone loss that leads to broken hips, but the bone loss can also profoundly affect oral health. Because the root of a tooth needs viable bone to stay firmly rooted in the mouth, bone loss can lead to loose and weakened teeth. Taking a vitamin D supplement is a good option for those who are at risk for bone loss.

Broken dental work

If you have dental work (items such as a crown or bridge), it’s only a matter of time before the piece needs to be fixed or placed. On average, dental repairs last about seven years, which means seniors are more at risk for needing a repair done ASAP. Preventative care is especially important here since dentists can check in on old repairs during regular cleanings and keep an eye out for any signs of a potential problem.

Change in color of teeth

While consuming certain foods (like berries) and drinks (like coffee) can cause staining, aging can also affect the color of your teeth. The enamel of teeth thins over time; as the enamel continues to grow thinner and thinner, the teeth take on a discolored, gray color. Unlike “vanity” stains from drinking too much coffee, a change in color due to thinning enamel is a reason to check in with your dentist: thinning enamel is more at risk for decay.

Aging doesn’t have to be fun per se, but learning how aging affects oral health can help prepare you for a future of stellar oral health.

Kids are eager to learn, but sometimes all the demonstrations and reminders in the world won’t drive home the importance of good oral hygiene. But children aren’t just paying attention when you want them too; they’re also watching and listening when you’re just going about your daily routine. Modeling the behavior you want them to learn, such as brushing twice a day, is essential because even toddlers find the flaw in the “Do as I say, not as I do” routine. Make sure you’re setting the right example with these five steps.

Brush and Floss Daily

Most families teach that brushing is a private practice to do behind doors, but being a little more open with your oral hygiene is a boon to a learning child. Get the entire family together in the mornings and evenings so that everyone can brush together at the right times. Even if some of your children are too young for brushing still, include them with a teething toy or by teaching them to rinse with water so they can join in on the family routine. The same should be done with flossing as children grow old enough to handle it on their own.

Discuss Your Mistakes

It’s natural to want to present an infallible and perfect image of yourself as a parent, but kids like hearing about the mistakes you made when you were young. Explaining a story about a painful cavity or even a root canal you experienced as a result of falling behind on your oral hygiene is a great learning moment that has personal meaning to the child. Stories about imaginary characters just don’t have quite the impact as a story about your mom or dad when they were little.

Eat Better

You tell your children that candy will rot their teeth, but you’re still nibbling away at sweet treats after every meal. Set a good dietary example as well by trimming extra sugar and acids from your diet, especially in the forms of drinks like coffee and soda. Even if you don’t want to eat broccoli rather than a chocolate bar for your mid-afternoon snack, think of the lasting impact on your children you create by directly modeling the behavior you want them to learn.

Take Them to Your Checkups

You’ll need a dentist who is family friendly, but bringing your kids along during your dental checkups can help children learn to feel comfortable at the dentist rather than nervous. It also demonstrates the importance of those six-month cleanings, especially if the dentist is willing to bring the children in for part or all of the process so they can watch it being performed by someone else before it’s their turn in the chair.

Expand the Focus

Finally, look around your local community for other groups and organizations focused on teaching good oral hygiene skills. For example, both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer dental education merit badges and other programs designed to encourage brushing and flossing. Getting the family involved in a larger group only further reinforces the example you’re setting at home.