Taking care of your body, including your lips, is your first responsibility when you have the flu or a cold.

When you’re not feeling well, use these easy steps to take care of your oral health:

Maintain Proper Hygiene

You are aware that when you cough or sneeze while you are ill, you should cover your mouth. Remember to maintain good dental and toothbrush hygiene.

The flu virus may survive on damp surfaces for 72 hours, according to the Centers for Chronic Disease. The most important guideline is to never share a toothbrush, especially when you’re ill.

Additionally, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to replace your toothbrush after being sick. The likelihood of reinfecting oneself is quite minimal unless you have a seriously weakened immune system. However, discard it if you’re still unsure. It’s time to change your toothbrush anyhow, especially if you’ve owned it for three to four months.

Choose Cough Drops Without Sugar

Before picking up a bag at the pharmacy with the intention of avoiding substances like fructose or corn syrup, read the label. A lot of cough drops are like sucking on candy since they include sugar. One of the things that causes cavities is sugar. A sweet cough drop that remains in your mouth for an extended period of time gives cavity-causing bacteria more opportunity to feed on the sugar and create the acid that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities and decay.

After throwing up, spit and swish

Vomiting is a regrettable side effect of the stomach flu and other infections. Waiting is preferable to brushing your teeth straight soon, despite your temptation. Your teeth are coated when stomach acids come into touch with them during vomiting. You are just rubbing that acid all over your teeth’s hard outer layer if you brush too fast.

To assist remove the acid, swish with water, a diluted mouthwash, or a solution of water and 1 tsp baking soda. After around 30 minutes, spit and brush.

Drink Plenty of Water to Prevent Dry Mouth

You require a lot of fluids while you’re unwell for a variety of reasons. The first is to avoid dry mouth. Dry mouth might increase your risk of cavities in addition to being uncomfortable. Drink lots of water and chew on sugarless cough drops, throat lozenges, or candies to keep your saliva flowing since several drugs you may be taking for a cold or flu, such antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers, can also dry up your mouth.

Select the Proper Fluids

Water is the safest beverage to consume. Sports drinks may be suggested to help restore electrolytes when you’re ill, but they contain a lot of sugar unless they’re sugar-free, so drink them sparingly and avoid developing a habit of them once you’ve recovered. Something to warm you up could also be in order. You might desire something soothing, like tea, to help you get through a cold or the flu. Avoid adding lemon or sugar. Lemon is acidic, and sugar can aid in feeding germs that cause cavities. Once you’re feeling 100% again, it’s something to remember.