At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we care about helping you and your family smile with confidence. It’s important to take great care of your braces during orthodontic treatment, but what about during flu season? That’s a great question, and luckily, we’ve got the tips you need to keep you and your loved one’s smile bright and healthy all year long!
Step 1 – Keep ‘Em Clean!
One of the best orthodontic tips for keeping up with your oral health during flu season is to make sure and keep your braces and teeth super clean! When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s natural to want to skip out on parts of your routine, but it’s important to stay consistent.
Flu symptoms, like dry mouth or a runny nose, can have an impact your oral health, so make sure you’re brushing thoroughly and using a mouthwash to keep your mouth clean, especially one that’s been prescribed.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Whether it’s flu season or not, be sure to brush your teeth and braces after every meal. If you’re not feeling great, focus on brushing more thoroughly in the morning and before bed, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
And remember to floss! Floss carefully between brackets to remove those pesky trapped food particles that could contribute to plaque build-up.
Disinfecting Your Toothbrush
Prevent the spread of germs by rinsing your toothbrush with hot water after each use. You may even want to consider replacing it more frequently than you normally might if you’re feeling under the weather.
Store it upright and in a ventilated area to avoid bacterial buildup. Once you’re feeling better, it’s a good idea to start fresh with a new toothbrush to keep your braces and mouth clean.
Step # 2 – Stay Hydrated!
Drinking plenty of water is more important than you might think when it comes to caring for braces when you’re sick. When you have the flu, you might not feel up to drinking or eating much, but staying hydrated helps wash away bacteria that can build up around your braces and gums.
Dry mouth can get worse when you’re sick, so be sure and sip water frequently to keep your mouth moist and your teeth and braces free from bacteria.
Water Works Wonder!
Water helps maintain saliva flow, which naturally cleans your teeth and braces, reduces the risk of dry mouth, and helps prevent cavities. Staying hydrated is also crucial for avoiding irritation around the gums and braces.
Stick to Healthy Bevvies!
While it may be tempting to reach for juice or soda for an energy boost when you’re sick, these drinks can contribute to tooth decay and irritation around your braces. Stick to plain water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit drinks to keep your mouth hydrated without risking harm to your teeth and braces.
Step # 3 – Eat Smart!
When you’re feeling under the weather, soft, gentle foods are the way to go. You might be tempted to have snacks that aren’t braces-friendly, but it’s important to stick to foods that are safe for your orthodontic appliances. For example, opt for soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, or soup, which are gentle on your braces and soothing for your throat.
Soft Foods That Are Braces-Friendly
During flu season, try to eat soft foods like applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal. These options are gentle on sore mouths and provide nutrients that aid in recovery without putting pressure on your braces or causing discomfort.
Foods to Avoid When You’re Sick with Braces
Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods should be avoided, as they can damage brackets and wires. Items like popcorn, chips, and chewy candy are best avoided, especially when your mouth might be extra sensitive due to illness.
Step # 4 – Don’t Suffer in Silence!
If you’re dealing with soreness in your mouth or braces pain while you’re feeling sick, there are a few braces tips that can help. Cold compresses or warm saltwater rinses can soothe sore spots and help you feel more comfortable. You can also use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation.
Using Cold Compresses or Warm Saltwater Rinses
Cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and numb any sore areas, while saltwater rinses a great for providing natural relief – they reduce bacteria and work wonders when it comes to dealing with irritation. Use either option as needed to manage any braces discomfort during flu season.
Wax Can Work!
One ever-present part of any conscientious braces-haver’s toolkit is orthodontic wax. You can add orthodontic wax to any areas of your braces that are causing irritation, such as sharp brackets or wires. This is especially helpful when you’re feeling unwell and need relief from any added soreness in your mouth.
Step # 4 — Come See Us!
At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we’re proud to be your go-to resource for all things ortho and pediatric dentistry-related. We love our patient family, and Dr. Ross, Dr. Garcia, and Dr. Iglesias have the tools and the know-how to keep your smile strong all year long! Give us a call at 786-798-805, or just schedule your free consultation online to get started today!