3 Tips to Fight Winter Colds & Keep Your Teeth Healthy

With winter weather fast approaching, cold and flu season is sure to not be far behind. From consuming extra orange juice for a vitamin C boost to keeping cough drops in one’s purse or at the office, everyone has steps they take to ward off or treat cold and flu symptoms.

However, have you ever considered the impact common cold and flu remedies have on your teeth and gums? It is important not to risk your oral health when fighting off a sore throat, headache or cough. Here are 3 tips from a dentist to help you manage any cold or flu symptoms this winter without compromising your oral health.

#1: Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops

Cough drops are a convenient way to relieve painful cold symptoms, especially when you are on the go. However, you should be aware that the handy lozenges contain more than just medicinal ingredients.

Many brands of cough drops include a significant amount of sugar to produce the sweet cherry, lemon and other flavors that people enjoy. This sugar poses a risk to your teeth – especially because cough drops are designed to dissolve slowly, giving the sugar ample time in your mouth and near your teeth.

To avoid increasing your risk of tooth decay, choose the sugar-free variety of cough drops the next time you visit the local pharmacy.

#2: Opt for Pills Over Cough Syrup

Similar to cough drops, many popular liquid cold medicines contain sugar as well. Thick cough syrups can easily stick to your teeth and contribute to tooth decay if you do not rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after ingesting.

For that reason, opt for cold medicine in the form of pills or gel-caps when possible. If you have trouble swallowing pills or just prefer cough syrup, try to take your medicine before a meal. The increased saliva production caused by eating will help wash away any sugary film left by cough syrup.

#3: Brush Your Teeth After Drinking Hot Tea

Curling up with a mug of hot tea when you have a winter cold can be comforting and may ease your sore throat or headache.

However, although most teas do not contain high amounts of sugar like soda and other beverages, tea can still pose a danger to your teeth. Specifically, the tannins in tea can lead to tooth discoloration. Black tea is more like to stain teeth than green tea and other varieties.

You do not have to sacrifice hot tea during the cold winter months, but be sure to brush your teeth afterward to protect your enamel.

Remember, oral health is an important part of overall health. Preserve a healthy smile this winter as you guard against the flu and common cold by following the 3 handy tips from a dentist above.

About the Author

A proud graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Jayme Martinez provides quality dental care at an affordable price to patients in Kessler Park and the greater DFW area. The Texas native leads the friendly team at Kessler Park Dental, where he offers everything from routine dental exams to porcelain veneers and dental implants. Patients new and old can get in touch with Dr. Martinez by visiting the Kessler Park Dental website or calling 214-303-9969.