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When you’re sick with a cold or flu, brushing your teeth might not feel like a priority — but skipping your oral care can make things worse. Germs thrive in your mouth when your immune system is low, slowing recovery. Read on for tips to keep your mouth healthy while you rest and recover.

Use a Saltwater Rinse for Sore Throats

A sore throat or post-nasal drip can irritate the back of your mouth. A simple saltwater rinse (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) can help soothe your throat, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria. Gargle gently a few times a day for relief.

Rinse, Don’t Overbrush

If you’re vomiting due to flu or a stomach bug, don’t brush your teeth immediately. Stomach acid softens the enamel, and brushing can damage your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mix of water and baking soda (a pinch in a glass) to help neutralise the acid. Wait about 30 minutes before brushing.

Don’t Skip Brushing and Flossing

It’s easy to skip your routine when you’re stuck in bed, but brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is more important than ever in such situations. Germs and bacteria can build up quickly when you’re sick, and poor oral hygiene can lead to mouth ulcers, bad breath, and even tooth decay.

Watch Mouth Breathing

When your nose is blocked, you might breathe through your mouth, especially while sleeping. This can dry out your mouth, leading to bad breath and gum issues. To help, place a bowl of hot water in your room at night or use a humidifier. Taking a warm shower or using a nasal spray before bed can also open your nose and make breathing easier.

Watch for Warning Signs

If you notice bleeding gums, painful teeth, or ulcers that don’t heal after you recover, you should check in with a dentist. Being sick can sometimes trigger underlying oral issues — especially if you have gum disease, sensitive teeth, or braces.

Change Your Toothbrush after You’re Sick

Germs can stick around on your toothbrush, even after you’ve recovered. When you start feeling better, replacing your toothbrush or brush head is a good idea. This helps stop germs from making you sick again—especially after a high fever, flu, or tonsillitis. Never share your toothbrush, especially if the other person is sick.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re sick, especially with a fever or blocked nose, your mouth tends to dry out often. This can lead to bad breath and increase the risk of cavities because saliva plays an important role in washing away bacteria. Sip water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Warm rooibos tea (without sugar) is also a good option to stay hydrated and soothe a sore throat.

Be Careful with Sugary Meds

Many cold and flu syrups, lozenges, and throat sprays contain sugar, which can stick to your teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Try to choose sugar-free options if available, and always rinse your mouth or drink water after taking medicine. Avoid brushing immediately after taking something acidic — like vitamin C tablets — as this can weaken your enamel.

Eat Soft, Easy Meals

When you’re ill, stick to soft foods that won’t irritate your throat or teeth. Warm soup, oats, bananas, scrambled eggs, and mashed vegetables are gentle on your mouth and easy to digest. Avoid hard sweets, very hot drinks, or anything acidic, like citrus juice, which can sting or harm enamel if your mouth is sensitive.

Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay if you can’t do everything perfectly when you’re not feeling well. Just do your best, brush your teeth, drink water, and rinse your mouth when you can. Even small steps can help keep your mouth healthy and support your recovery.

Conclusion

Taking care of your mouth while you’re under the weather may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a real difference in how you feel and recover. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, and giving it a little extra attention during cold and flu season is well worth it.

At Affinity Dental, we’re committed to helping your teeth stay healthy all year round. Our affordable dental plans give you access to a nationwide network of over 2,000 professional dentists, making it easy to get the care you need — when needed. Whether it’s a routine check-up or support managing oral issues during illness, Affinity Dental is here for you and your family.