Cold and flu season is in full effect. We've heard firsthand from our patients who come in for their cleaning or routine dental appointment and report that they or a family member have recently been under the weather. Along with the cold and flu season come all of the remedies to battle the symptoms. If you are sniffling and coughing, you may find yourself reaching for a bottle of cough syrup or a cough drop. While helpful in easing your discomfort, these cough treatments could count tooth decay among their side effects.
Cough syrup and drops often contain high fructose corn syrup and sucrose, citric acid, and alcohol, all of which can have detrimental effects on your teeth.
- - The sugars used to sweeten cough medicine are also consumed by the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugars and break them down into acids that attack tooth enamel.
- - The acidity of cough medicine can wear down tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay.
- - The presence of alcohol in many medicines has a drying effect on your mouth. Normally, saliva naturally rinses away sugar and acid; without your normal saliva flow, sugar and acids remain on your teeth and in your mouth longer, providing more opportunities for decay to develop.
These medications are often taken before bedtime, and thus put your mouth and teeth at more risk since there is less saliva production at night. The effects are similar to drinking soda or juice before bed.
So, how can you avoid putting your teeth at risk while still treating your cold and flu symptoms?
- - Take liquid medications along with a meal instead of at bedtime. The extra salivary flow from chewing will help to rinse away sugar and acid.
- - Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste after taking medication.
- - If you can't brush, rinse your mouth well with water or chew sugar-free gum after taking cough syrup.
- - If possible, take a pill form of the medication instead of liquid.
The tips apply to all liquid medications that you may take -- not just cough syrups! Overall, make sure that you maintain excellent oral hygiene. Even though it may not seem like a top priority when you're not feeling well, proper brushing and flossing will not only diminish the potential risks of cough medications, but also aid in achieving a swifter recovery by keeping your mouth healthy and clean.
For those of you who are currently suffering through the cold or flu, all of us at Jacques Dentistry wish you a speedy recovery and remind you that your Greenville, SC, dentist is always ready to see you once you are feeling better! Get well soon!
