Smile Survival: Protecting Your Child’s Teeth When They’re Sick

January is here, bringing colder, darker days and peak cold and flu season. If your little one is sick or sniffly, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to protect their health, and their smile should be no exception. Harmful germs can impact their teeth and gums as much as their general well-being.

If you’re unsure how to safeguard your child’s grin if they’ve become ill, continue reading for 3 helpful hints that can help them recover.

Tip #1: Change Their Toothbrush

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends replacing your and your child’s toothbrushes every six months? This is because the bristles eventually become frayed after everyday use. Not only that, but they store plenty of bacteria from your mouth, and can reintroduce sick germs after your child has already gotten well.

You can prevent a recurrence by replacing their toothbrush to limit exposure to the viruses that spread cold and flu bugs. Many stores and pharmacies carry different brands featuring fun colors, textures, and characters from your kid’s favorite movies and shows, which might even put a smile on their face despite feeling poorly.  

Tip #2: Encourage Them to Drink Water

If your child’s nose is stuffy, they’re more likely to breathe through their mouths which can dry it out. Saliva is their first defense against unwanted germs because it rinses away bacteria, leftover food, and other debris that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Dry mouth encourages unhealthy microbes to thrive, worsening your kid’s condition. Thankfully, drinking plenty of water keeps their teeth and gums clean while simultaneously rehydrating their body. This supports their immune system and other bodily functions to help them recover faster. Plus, H2O has a neutral pH balance to counteract potential acid damage to their enamel if they’ve been vomiting.

Tip #3: Have Them Rinse with Salt Water

Many well-meaning parents and guardians have their children brush their teeth immediately after they’ve vomited to clear the unpleasant taste out of their mouths. While this might be comforting after being sick, it won’t help their teeth. Regurgitated materials typically contain stomach acid, which has a pH value of around 2, meaning it can erode enamel. Brushing right after your teeth have been exposed can wear down this protective outer layer.

You can have your child rinse with warm salt water, instead. This has a more neutral pH value and won’t damage your little one’s pearly whites. Plus, salt acts as a natural disinfectant to kill germs.

By making these few minor adjustments, you can help your family recover from cold and flu season with your smiles intact!

About the Practice

At Stroud Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from two experts committed to helping kids of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Stroud and Dr. Ball share 20+ years of combined experience providing a wide range of services at one convenient location. They combine a compassionate and caring approach with a family-friendly environment to educate young minds about the importance of regular dental care. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 441-2425.