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Tips to Protect Your Health When Sick
December and January are peak months for the flu and cold season. Proper oral hygiene during times of illness will not only speed up the recovery process, but will also contribute to the overall health of your teeth and gums.
“In order to properly care for your teeth when sick, it’s important to take extra good care of your toothbrush,” said Dr. Sachdeva. “We recommend that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles start to get worn down.”
You should also replace your toothbrush if you’ve had a cold, flu, mouth infection, or sore throat to eliminate the possibility of reinfection from germs that may have attached to the bristles. Also, if more than one toothbrush is stored in the same area, make sure they are separated to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Certain medications may affect the health of your mouth as well. Some medications can cause symptoms like dry mouth or affect your ability to taste. Liquid medicines often contain sugar for flavor. If possible, take medicine with a meal to reduce the sugar build-up on your teeth or select a sugar-free alternative if available.
If you follow these tips for oral health care when sick, you’ll emerge from your illness with healthier, cleaner teeth. Scheduling regular dental visits will also help maintain the health of your teeth.
Posted in Dental Health
How to Treat Sensitive Teeth
If you experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot and cold items, chances are you have sensitive teeth, also known as dentin hypersensitivity.
“Sensitive teeth occur when the sensitive part of the tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. Tiny holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve and trigger pain when irritated by food, beverages or brushing your teeth,” said Dr. Oleinick.
There are numerous factors that may lead to sensitive teeth including brushing too hard, cavities and plaque build-up, diet and gum recession.
By following these preventive measures you may be able to reduce tooth sensitivity:
• Maintain proper oral hygiene
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush
• Use desensitizing toothpaste
• Avoid regular consumption of acidic foods
• Use fluoridated dental products
• Avoid teeth grinding
• Schedule regular dentist appointments
For those with extra-sensitive teeth, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dentist in order to diagnose and fix the problem. Our dentists are available at eight convenient locations to diagnose the root cause of sensitive teeth.
Posted in Dental Health, Preventative Dental Care