Everybody knows what it’s like to have a cold or to get the flu, but if you are wearing braces when you have the sniffles, it is a little different. While wearing braces, it’s even more critical to take care of your dental health, so we’ve outlined some easy tips on how to keep your teeth strong and healthy during cold and flu season.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s essential to remain well hydrated when you feel under the weather, as when you have a stuffy nose, you may need to breathe through your mouth. This decreases the amount of saliva, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive, so make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
Choose Sugar-Free Cough Syrup and Cough Drops
Cough syrup can be soothing for a tickly throat, but many are laden with sugar. If you can, try to choose lozenges or sugar-free cough syrup. Otherwise, rinse your mouth thoroughly after using these products.
We know you may feel tired and out of sorts, but please make time to brush and floss your teeth regularly. At the very least, having a nice clean mouth will almost certainly help you feel a little better.