The onset of an illness often brings fatigue and nausea, making simple daily routines like brushing feel like a massive chore. Despite these concerns, maintaining oral hygiene is important when sick, but it must be done with specific adjustments to protect both your health and your teeth. The general recommendation is to continue brushing, ideally twice a day, focusing on proper technique and post-sickness sanitation.
Why Oral Hygiene is Crucial During Illness
Illness frequently triggers a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is a significant factor in increasing the risk of dental decay. Saliva acts as the body’s natural defense, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by oral bacteria. When sickness causes dehydration, or when certain medications like decongestants and antihistamines are used, saliva flow is drastically reduced.
A reduced flow of saliva allows the bacterial population in the mouth to multiply more rapidly, creating an environment where plaque can quickly build up on the tooth surfaces. Furthermore, many common cold and flu remedies, such as cough syrups and throat lozenges, contain high amounts of sugar. This added sugar provides an energy source for the bacteria, accelerating the acid production that leads to cavities. Keeping up with brushing helps mechanically remove this increased load of bacteria and plaque.
Protecting Teeth from Stomach Acid After Vomiting
Vomiting poses a threat to dental health because it introduces stomach acid into the mouth. This strong acid immediately softens the enamel, making it temporarily vulnerable to abrasion. Brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting will mechanically scrub the softened enamel away, leading to irreversible tooth erosion over time. This loss of tooth structure cannot be replaced naturally by the body.
Instead of brushing, the immediate action should be to rinse the mouth thoroughly to neutralize and wash away the acid. A simple rinse with plain water is helpful, but an alkaline solution is more effective for counteracting the stomach acid. Dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water creates a highly effective rinse that immediately helps to rebalance the mouth’s pH level. After rinsing, wait a minimum of 30 minutes before attempting to brush your teeth. This waiting period allows the natural minerals in your saliva to begin the process of re-hardening the enamel, which restores its protective structure. When you do brush, use a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste to maximize the remineralization process.
Keeping Your Toothbrush Germ-Free
The toothbrush itself can harbor germs during an illness. To limit this risk, ensure your toothbrush is stored upright and exposed to open air, which allows it to dry completely between uses. A moist environment encourages bacterial growth, so avoid using closed toothbrush covers or storing the brush in a drawer while you are sick.
It is also important to maintain distance between your brush and those used by other members of the household to prevent any spread of germs. Never share a toothbrush, as this is a direct way to transfer bacteria and viruses. After recovering from a highly contagious illness like the flu, a stomach virus, or strep throat, it is recommended to replace the toothbrush head or the entire brush. Changing the brush is a simple precaution that prevents lingering pathogens from causing a relapse or infecting others.