{"id":181,"date":"2019-11-07T16:14:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2019-12-19T16:36:20","modified_gmt":"2019-12-19T16:36:20","slug":"flu-season-tips-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/flu-season-tips-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cold and Flu Season Impact Your Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"person<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Everyone dreads cold and flu season because it\u2019s inconvenient, snotty, and impacts your daily schedule, not because all the cough drops and decongestants impact your oral health. Many people aren\u2019t aware that the over-the-counter remedies they use are impacting the health of their teeth and gums. That means that as soon as they fight off their cold, they\u2019ll be faced with pesky cavities. Here are some problems you could face and some flu season tips from your dentist<\/a> to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Decongestants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For your oral health, there\u2019s such a problem as too <\/em>dry.\nDecongestants are great at tackling runny noses and clogged sinuses, but they\u2019re\nalso known to commonly cause dry mouth. Many people aren\u2019t aware of how this oral\nissue can impact their health. The reduced saliva production actually promotes\nbacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulation, which are all known to cause cavities\nand gum disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cough Drops and Lozenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main ingredient that makes cough drops and sore throat\nlozenges bearable is sugar. Even though it\u2019s just a small product, it could\nhave a big impact on your dental health. The average drop or lozenge contains\nfour grams of sugar. When you\u2019re letting three or more of those slowly dissolve\nin your mouth throughout the day, your saliva won\u2019t get a chance to clear away\nthe sugar from settling on your teeth. Additionally, these medicinal solutions\ncontain other ingredients that are bad for your mouth, like high fructose corn\nsyrup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cough Syrups and Liquid Medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Similar to cough drops and lozenges, cold medicine in the\nform of liquids and syrups often contain high amounts of sugar that contribute to\ncavity formation. Some of these also contain alcohol, which inhibits your\nsaliva production and makes it more difficult for sugar to be washed off of\nyour teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing Oral Health Problems This Flu Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is, there are numerous preventive measures you\ncan take to help protect your teeth and gums from the lingering threat of cold\nand flu season remedies. There are even some tips that can ease symptoms caused\nby your illness as well as prevent common oral health problems from developing.\nSome ways you can avoid needing an unexpected visit to the dentist while\nbattling with flu season include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n