3 Tips to Maintain Your Child’s Smile During Cold & Flu Season

While the wintery months can bring about exciting snow days, they can also make it challenging for your child to stay in good health. Since this is the cold and flu season, many children end up missing school due to falling ill. Although helping them recover their bodily health is important, helping them keep their smile safe from cavities and bacteria is equally crucial. Read on to learn three tips for maintaining your little one’s pearly whites even while they’re fighting the cold or flu!

Tip #1: Help Them Brush Their Teeth

Your child should be regularly brushing their teeth no matter how old they are. Though they might often not feel like it, they must remove harmful bacteria and particles from their mouth at least twice each day. If they’re feeling too weak to get out of bed, there’s a way you can work around this. Simply help them brush where they are by providing them with a glass of water and a cup for spitting. This will help ensure that their teeth and gums are free of particles that can collect and develop cavities or result in swelling or infection.

Tip #2: Make Sure to Replace Their Toothbrush

While you’ll typically replace your and your child’s toothbrush every three to four months, most dentists recommend changing out their old one immediately after experiencing any kind of cold or flu. This is because harmful germs can end up settling within the bristles long after your little one has recovered. To avoid reinfecting them (or spreading the disease to other family members), make sure to throw the old toothbrush away and allow them to pick out their next one. If you’re in a pinch, try boiling the toothbrush to eliminate most of the bacteria.

Tip #3: Have Them Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking lots of water is one of the most crucial remedies for recovering from a cold or the flu. If their nose becomes stuffy, it can make it difficult to breathe without opening their mouth, especially when they’re asleep. This can easily lead to dry mouth, which can increase their risk of decay, cavities, and infection. Since saliva production is important for washing away bacteria, you’ll want to encourage them to consume plenty of water throughout the day to keep their teeth and gums clean.

Make your child’s oral health a priority if they ever fall ill from a cold or flu virus. Keep the above tips in mind, and you should help them avoid more serious dental issues in the future!

About the Author

Dr. Angelica R. Rohner earned her dental degree from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. She’s also a proud member of several prominent groups like the American Dental Association and has advanced training in pediatric dentistry. She provides a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including children’s checkups/cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and fillings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your little one, visit her website or call her at 205-870-0892.