As the chilly winds announce the arrival of cold and flu season, parents gear up to protect their little ones from seasonal illnesses. While you focus on preventing sniffles and sneezes, don’t forget to safeguard your child’s oral health!
If you need a comprehensive guide to keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the season of sneezes, continue reading.
1. Keep Up Their Oral Hygiene Routine
The most important thing to keep your child’s oral health intact, even when they’re sick, is to continue brushing. It can be tempting to simply let them slip by on this. After all, they’re probably feeling pretty crummy.
However, the bacteria in their mouth are more likely to cause infections and cavities when their immune system is weakened. So, it’s very important that they continue to brush and floss.
2. Use a Fresh Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are breeding grounds for bacteria. Normally, it’s okay to continue to use their brush for a month or so. However, when your little one is sick, it’s best to switch to a new one right away to prevent contamination.
The flu virus can live on a surface for up to 48 hours, so ensure the new brush is exposed to air and not next to any other brushes.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
Fluids are important to combat sickness as they help keep their bodies hydrated. This improves bodily wellness but also keeps their mouths moist. This is important because saliva is a natural anti-bacterial agent. Cool air can often dry out their mouths, especially when sleeping with a stopped-up nose.
4. Use a Salt Rinse
Salt has been used for centuries as a natural disinfectant. Adding a tablespoon to a warm glass of water can make an effective anti-microbial rinse. Have your child swish this solution and gargle for a minute for bacteria neutralization and sore throat relief. This will help stop cavities and gum disease from forming due to plaque.
The winter months can be especially trying for everyone, but children feel the effects more strongly. Sometimes they seem invincible when they recover from harm in an instant while laughing. However, it’s important to remember that they are vulnerable and in need of guidance. Use these tips to keep their mouths healthy and their bodies strong!
About the Practice
At The Dentists at Orenco for Kids, Dr. Andrea Beltzner and Dr. Michael Royse are your professional pediatric dentists. Their dedication to little smiles and improving their oral health is matched only by their knowledge and skill. If you want a pleasant and comfortable experience for your child’s dentistry, you’ve come to the right place. To schedule an appointment at Donald Marks Family Dentistry, call (503) 640-6565 or visit the website to explore other services.