How Do I Keep My Child’s Teeth Healthy During Flu Season?

It’s a full-time job just to keep your child from getting sick as the temperatures drop this time of year. Even so, there are also things you can do to keep their teeth healthy through those winter months.

The average child will get 6-8 colds per year with most of them coming during the winter. After all, children are more prone to disease, as they constantly touch everything and chew on more than they should.

Imagine needing to take them to the dentist for a cavity while they were under the weather. No adult wants to endure that, either. Keep reading for some tips on kids’ oral care during cold-and-flu season.

Make Sure Their Teeth Get Brushed

If your child does get sick, instead of forcing them to go to the bathroom, you can bring them a cup to spit in and a cup of water to rinse with in addition to their brush. Even on sick days, make sure they are brushing twice.

Gargle with Saltwater

If your child is old enough to know how to gargle, have them gargle with saltwater. If they’ve never gargled, maybe have them practice with regular water to get the hang of it. The saltwater kills germs in their throat and mouth, plus it helps them heal faster. Especially if they already have a sore throat due to illness, have them gargle with saltwater once per day.

Change Their Toothbrush

Bacteria can remain on a child’s toothbrush even after they have recovered from an illness. While they may have developed an immunity to their disease, other members of the household have not. If your child is particular about which toothbrush they use and you can’t get to the store that day, you can boil their toothbrush in hot water to kill the germs. Also, while they are sick, be sure to keep their toothbrush away from those of other family members.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated is always important, but even more than usual during sickness. If your child has a stuffy nose, they are probably breathing primarily through their mouth, which causes dry mouth. Without enough saliva being produced to combat bacteria, drinking water frequently will help.

Your child’s mouth is full of bacteria, but steps can be taken to minimize those bacteria through proper oral care and help them recover from illness sooner. It’s no fun having a cavity or being sick, so you want to do your best to help them avoid the combination of the two.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we’re all about having fun because it helps put people at ease. If you are smiling, you aren’t going to be stressed out over dental treatment. We are serious about quality dental care, however, as our dentists stay on top of the latest developments in the field and expand their clinical expertise through advanced training. We know you work hard to make sure your child is taking care of their teeth, and we will do our best to ensure the health of their smile. We offer a family-friendly environment, and if your child is nervous about the dentist, we have nitrous oxide sedation available. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (434) 847-5331.