While most of us would never give it a second thought, the common cold can have a significant impact on your oral health. Along with body aches and a stuffy or runny nose, it is not uncommon to also experience tooth or gum pain while battling the common cold as well. The same also applies to the flu as well. Generally speaking, these pain symptoms are often the result of sinus pressure, sinus infection, and dry mouth.
How Does Sinus Pressure Impact Oral Health?
A common misconception when it comes to sinuses is that they are only located in the nose, which couldn't be any further from the truth. You have sinus cavities located near your upper molars as well. When you develop a cold or flu, these sinus cavities can become blocked with mucus. The increased pressure caused by this build-up of mucus can cause your upper molars and even the gum tissue surrounding them to become sore.
Dry Mouth and Oral Health
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is another cold and flu symptom that can negatively impact your oral health. In most cases, dry mouth is the result of nasal congestion, which causes you to breathe through your nose as opposed to your mouth. Along with contributing to overly dry teeth, gums, and lips, xerostomia can also cause excessive plaque to form on your teeth, which can lead to dental caries (cavities). It can also cause gum tissue to become irritated and inflamed. Ironically, taking cold medication, especially decongestants, can make matters worse as these medications are known to dry out the mouth even more.
Sinus Infection and Oral Health
Studies show that the pressure placed on the upper molars when you have a sinus infection can cause these teeth to feel sore. Similar to dry mouth, cold and flu medicine can intensify any pain or pressure that you may already be experiencing.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth When You Are Sick?
Considering that the flu season is right around the corner, this would be an opportune time to discuss taking care of your teeth while battling a cold or the flu. Here are some of the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre’s tips:
Staying hydrated - Because a cold or flu can disrupt saliva production, which leads to dry mouth, one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy when you are sick is by drinking plenty of water. In doing so, your mouth will remain hydrated and is therefore capable of washing away plaque acids and other harmful bacteria that would otherwise form on your teeth.
Replacing your toothbrush – Although practicing good oral hygiene entails replacing your toothbrush every 3 months, doing so immediately after getting over a cold or the flu would be a good idea as it will prevent the same germs from being reintroduced into the oral cavity, not to mention your body.
Brushing and flossing - Although you may not feel up to it, you should continue to brush your teeth twice per day and also floss in-between meals, especially since your teeth will be more prone to plaque buildup while you are sick.
When Should You be Seen by a Dentist?
In most cases, tooth and gum pain related to a cold or flu will go away once you are feeling better. However, if you are still experiencing pain or discomfort after other symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose, have gone away, it would be in your best interest to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in South Ottawa. During your appointment, our dental practitioner can determine if the pain or discomfort is related to cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems.
Bottom Line
The cold and flu season can quickly take a toll on both your physical and oral health. That being said, if you are still experiencing tooth pain or other dental problems even after your cold or flu has gone away, contact us today to book an appointment. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in South Ottawa, we are committed to providing best-in-class preventative care and restorative treatments to our valued patients.
