Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full swing, that means one thing: cold and flu season is here! We’ve provided some mouth care tips for when you’re feeling under the weather.

First, there are some oral hygiene issues that need attending to. Make sure that you are brushing twice a day for two minutes each session. Continue to floss every day, once a day, for 2-3 minutes each time. Oral hygiene is especially important while you are ill, to make sure bacteria and other germs are cleaned away from teeth.

During your illness, choose sugar-free cough drops. Sugar-sweetened cough drops have the same effect on your teeth as sucking on pieces of candy. The longer you suck on the sugary cough drop, the longer your mouth bacteria can feed on it. The bacteria then produce acid, which eats away your tooth enamel.

Similarly, choose the correct liquids for your teeth. If you choose to drink sports drinks while you are sick, be sure to accompany then with plain water if you can. Many sports drinks are full of sugars and acids, which eat away at your enamel. Try to choose varieties with little or no sugar. If you drink tea, don’t add lemon and sugar.

To schedule an appointment in Apple Valley, California, call Glenn Dental at 760-284-3060. Dr. Glenn Ong-Veloso and our team are happy to help!