Here in Las Vegas, cold and flu season begins in October and lasts through April–sometimes into May. It peaks now, in December through February. Our dry air, dust, wind, and local allergens can make sinus congestion flare, as well. When struck by an illness, you may focus on aches and pains, but sickness affects oral health.
In today’s blog post, your Las Vegas Dentist will explain how to protect your oral health during cold and flu season, and how to know when sinus pressure may actually be dental pain. If you’re concerned about an abnormality in your mouth, suspicious symptoms, or you need a gentle, compassionate, highly skilled dentist for your family, call Miracle Dental in Las Vegas today at (702) 456-0056 to reserve your appointment.
How Being Sick Affects Your Teeth and Gums
Sneezing, coughing, muscle aches, fatigue, and congestion makes a strong, healthy person feel absolutely awful. Drained. Exhausted. When we’re in this state, we usually focus on rest and recuperation, which is wise. Your body needs time to let the sickness run its course–or for medications to work–so that you can feel better and re-engage with life. But while you’re down, the following tips from your Vegas dentist will help you stave off harmful effects to your oral health.
Dry Mouth from Dehydration and Medications
Saliva cleanses the mouth, washing away bacteria and food particles all day and night. Some medications reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth. The incidence of cavities and gum disease increases in dry mouths, and the condition of having a chronic dry mouth is known as xerostomia. Dry mouth may be temporary, however, if it’s caused by short-term medication use or dehydration.
You can stimulate salivary glands by sucking on sugar-free cough drops or using artificial saliva like Biotene (found at most pharmacies). More than any remedy, drinking water will rehydrate your body and your mouth, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate all the time–especially when you’re suffering a cold or flu. Water cleanses and refreshes the body.
Acid Damage from Vomiting or Reflux
If your illness involves acid reflux or vomiting, your tooth enamel is at risk of erosion. Do not immediately brush your teeth after reflux or vomiting, because at this point your tooth enamel is softened and brushing could do more harm than help. Rinse with water, and wait at least a half-hour before brushing your teeth. Then brush and floss as normal.
Sugar in Cough Drops, Syrups, and Lozenges
When shopping for cough suppressants, look for sugar-free options. Sucking on sugary cough drops increases cavity risk. Some alternatives include sugar-free options by Ricola, Halls, Ludens, and Fisherman’s Friend. Cepacol can be found in sugar-free varieties, and it includes benzocaine, a pain reliever that soothes sore throats.
Sinus Pressure or Toothache?
Your maxillary sinus cavities run behind the cheeks and above upper teeth. Upper molars may even penetrate the sinus cavity; that’s how close they are. If facial pain affects only one of your upper teeth, you notice sensitivity to hot and cold in that tooth, swelling occurs on your gums or in your mouth, and/or pain continues regardless of cold, flu, or sinus medication, your issue may be dental. If pain persists after your congestion subsides, it’s time to call your Vegas dentist at Miracle Dental to investigate the cause and recommend treatment options.
Vegas Cold & Flu Season Oral Care Tips
Here’s a checklist of what to do when suffering from a cold, flu, virus, or sinus infection:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Choose sugar-free cough drops, lozenges, and syrups
- Wait a half-hour after reflux or vomiting before brushing teeth (but rinse with water)
- Brush teeth twice and floss once daily, regardless of you feel
- Replace your toothbrush once you’re well, then every three to four months
- If a toothache persists after you’re well, visit Miracle Dental
When to Call Your Las Vegas Dentist
Whether you’re well or still suffering from an illness, please call our office if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Severe mouth pain
- Oral swelling
- Gum discoloration
- Bleeding after brushing
- Pus at the gum line
- Chronic bad breath
- Chronic dry mouth
- Toothache after the illness ends
- Discomfort in existing dental work
Visit a Caring Las Vegas Dentist at Miracle Dental
At Miracle Dental in northwest Las Vegas, our female dentists, Drs. Ann Pham and Halan Tram, will warmly welcome you and your loved ones. Our entire team will treat you with respect and compassion from your very first call. We like to focus on preventive dentistry, so you can ward off serious dental conditions by regularly maintaining good oral health. We take excellent care of our patients and always prioritize comfort, beauty, health, and function.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
If you’re wondering whether sinus pressure is actually a toothache, give us a call at (702) 456-0056 now. We are always happy to answer questions from new and existing patients. And should you find yourself in a dental emergency, we’re here for you!
