You probably haven't considered the effects the common cold may have on your teeth. It's not something most people think about. However, this common type of illness can have a larger impact on your oral health than you ever realized.
Types of Common Colds and Their Effects on Your Teeth
There are more than 200 different types of colds that you can catch, although the most common type is rhinovirus. Other types include human parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses adenovirus, human respiratory syncytial virus, and enteroviruses. The common cold can affect your teeth by making them, along with the rest of your body, more sensitive and sore.
Risks of Using Cough Medicine to Treat the Common Cold
It may not be obvious, but your teeth can be affected by the use of cough medicine. First of all, the sugar and alcohol in it can cause tooth decay. Secondly, the alcohol in it can also cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to bad breath, thus, it is extra important to stay hydrated when you are experiencing a cold.
Natural Ways to Get Over a Cold (Without Rotting Your Teeth)
Rather than using cough syrup to treat symptoms of the common cold consider using natural home remedies to ease your symptoms. Vaporizers and essential oil diffusers not only put moisture into the air - which helps improve a dry mouth, nose, and throat - but they can also help treat lung and nasal congestion. Other ways to get over the common cold naturally include lots of rest, warm brothy soups, and plenty of water consumption.
Ways to stay healthy and avoid catching a cold
Avoid getting sick by taking care of your physical and mental well-being. This involves following healthy eating habits, getting adequate exercise, and getting enough sleep each night. You will also need to learn how to manage stress. Learning yoga or meditation techniques is a great way to manage your stress in order to stay healthy and avoid catching the common cold.
Although it may not be obvious, the common cold can have a huge impact on your oral health. Tooth decay and dry mouth are just a couple examples of the negative impact caused by a cold. Visit Your Dental Office to check up on your teeth and your overall oral health. Contact us today to book an appointment and be prepared to keep your teeth healthy during the cold and flu season.