Cold & Flu Season and Your Child’s Smile

Many are unaware that when kids take on a cold or the flu the health of their teeth can become a concern. Dr. Breanne Reid, pediatric dentist at Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares some insight into the curious connection of the common cold and dental wellbeing.

4 Cold and flu-driven dental scenarios to consider when kids get sick

(1) A dry mouth

When your child is sick,

Often times they are given medications like antihistamines and decongestants. A lot of people don’t know a side effect of these is a dry mouth.
- A dry mouth increases their risk for cavities because the mouth is more acidic
- Remember cavities result from a prolonged acid attack on the enamel that demineralizes the enamel over time, and when demineralization outweighs the remineralization, a cavity results.
Often times kids may breathe through their mouth more often which can also dry out the mouth.

Remedy:

Ways to combat a dry mouth:

Encourage your child to drink extra water during this time.
Allow your older child to chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

(2) Toothbrushes and the germ reminder

When we’re sick, germs can linger on our toothbrushes – even after you start feeling better! That means you could be brushing those germs right back into your mouth.

Remedy:

Once you’re feeling better, swap out that old toothbrush for a fresh one.

This helps prevent reinfection and keeps your smile health and bright.
To give your brush a quick refresh, place it on the top rack of your dishwasher for a gentle sanitizing cycle. (Skip this step for electric or battery-powered toothbrushes.)

(3) Medications and sugar

Did you know many children’s medications are full of sugar? Those sweet flavors help the medicine go down – but can also increase cavity risk. Plus, many of those soothing, candy-like cough drops (kids might suck on all day when they’re sick) are usually high in sugar.

Remedy:

Choose sugar-free options when you can.
Have your child rinse with water after taking medication, or better yet, brush their teeth!

(4) Too sick to brush

Sometimes when your kiddo isn’t feeling well, brushing might not happen, and that’s okay

Nobody’s perfect!

Remedy:

If they’re too sick to brush,

Try having kids sip or rinse with water to help keep their mouth clean and comfortable.
Caregivers can also wipe their mouth out with a washcloth.
Rest and HYDRATE!

Dr. Brea welcomes new patients into her combined pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice. With locations in both Solana Beach and Carlsbad, the offices are fun destinations for kids to visit despite the serious focus on dental health. First visits for children under two years are complimentary at Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.