Like other viruses, COVID-19 causes a variety of symptoms like fever, fatigue, and coughing. Thankfully, the World Health Organization reports that only one out of five people who develop COVID-19 become seriously ill, and about 80% recover without needing hospital treatment. While it’s very likely that you’ll only experience mild symptoms if you catch the current coronavirus, the dry cough you may develop could damage your teeth and gums. Here’s how to protect your smile if you start coughing because of COVID-19, the flu, or any other sickness.
Choose the Right Medicine
Cough syrups and throat lozenges are powerful tools when it comes to treating most coughs. Unfortunately, sugary medications can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Like eating syrup or sucking on a hard candy, sticky cough medicines and throat lozenges coat your mouth in a layer of sugar that feeds cavity-causing bacteria. The more often you use these products, the more likely you are to develop tooth decay. However, that doesn’t mean you should suffer through your cough without medicine! To protect your teeth, try:
- Sugar-free cough syrups and drops.
- Taking a pill instead of liquid medication.
- Eating healthy food or drinking water while taking your medicine.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a crucial part of fighting off any sickness, but it can be especially important when you’re treating a cough. Coughing can quickly dry out your mouth, which weakens your enamel and encourages the buildup of plaque and bacteria. To keep your teeth strong and wash away these lingering particles, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Don’t Drink Too Many Acidic Beverages
Water should be your drink of choice when you’re under the weather. Although other drinks may have added benefits, drinking too many acidic beverages will soften your enamel and discolor your teeth. Avoid, limit, or drink water after consuming:
- Orange juice
- Sports drinks
- Tea or coffee
Keep Brushing Your Teeth
It can be difficult to focus on anything other than treating your symptoms when you’re sick. However, keeping your mouth clean can help the rest of your body get healthier. There are more bacteria than usual in your mouth when you have a virus. Not only does regularly brushing them away prevent oral health conditions like gum disease and tooth decay, but it allows your immune system to focus on combating the larger illness you’re suffering from. Once you’ve recovered, don’t forget to throw out your toothbrush and use a new one!
Many people don’t realize that a cough can negatively impact their oral health. If you start coughing because of COVID-19, the flu, or any other virus, keep these tips in mind to protect your smile as you get healthier.
About the Author
Our talented team at Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics in Newbury Park, CA know just how much a healthy smile can change your quality of life. Since 1975, Dr. Gary Chaffee has been dedicated to helping his patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health that improves overall wellbeing. In light of the current pandemic, he encourages everyone to practice regular handwashing, social distancing, and great at-home oral hygiene in order to stay safe and healthy. If you have any questions or are experiencing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (805) 480-0033.