How to Help Sick Kids Maintain a Healthy Mouth Lewisville TX Pediatric Dentist

How to Help Sick Kids Maintain a Healthy Mouth Lewisville TX Pediatric Dentist

PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN LEWISVILLE, TX
Pediatric Dentist Lewisville
Posted on July 15, 2023

When your child has a fever, cough or other sickness, it is natural to concentrate on the issue at hand, not worry about oral health at that moment. However, keeping their mouths clean can be even more important during illness. Here are helpful tips for keeping your child’s mouth healthy when they are sick.

Continue Brushing and Flossing

Daily use of a toothbrush and dental floss helps prevent buildup of harmful germs and bacteria in your child’s mouth. A clean mouth helps keep their immune system stay focused on fighting the cold, flu, or whatever ailment is keeping them in bed. If your child’s illness includes vomiting, their teeth are exposed to acids that can weaken teeth. Help them rinse thoroughly and brush their teeth to avoid damage.

Watch Out for Sugary Medicines

There may be truth to the song lyrics, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” but it’s not helpful advice when it comes to children’s teeth. Some cough drops and syrups contain high amounts of sugar to improve medicinal flavor. The downside is they can leave sugary residue on the teeth. Look for sugar-free options when possible and have your child rinse well after taking any medicine formulated with sugar.

Keep Your Child Hydrated

A sick child needs plenty of water to stay hydrated, soothe a sore throat, and keep sinuses moist. In addition, dry mouth can occur during illness and increase risk of tooth decay. Drinking water helps combat both dry mouth and congestion.

Disinfect Dental Appliances

If your child has a dental appliance, such as a night guard, retainer, or athletic mouth guard, be sure it is cleaned thoroughly between uses. Contact our office for information on the type of cleanser that is appropriate for your child’s device.

Keep Toothbrush Clean

When your child is well again, replace their toothbrush. Even a clean toothbrush may retain some bacteria or germs following use. To help protect your child from reinfection, discard the used toothbrush in favor of a new one, and disinfect it in between with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly after disinfecting.

Should You Keep a Dental Appointment?

Yes, your child can go to the Lewisville Pediatric dentist if they are recovering from sickness, but there are exceptions. If your child has severe congestion, it will be too difficult and possibly distressing to keep their mouth open for an examination. If your child is vomiting, has a fever, or is contagious, it is better to stay home and reschedule the appointment. 

For more tips on keeping teeth healthy through an illness, contact our Lewisville Kids Dentistry today.

Lewisville Kids Dentistry
Phone: (972) 436-9121
501 S Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, TX 75067

Read Our Lewisville Pediatric Dental News

PEDIATRIC DENTIST in Lewisville, TX

5 Ways to Get Your...

September 15th 2023

For some parents, it can be challenging to get kids to practice at-home oral care unsupervised. However, the long-term benefits of an early start are worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you make oral health a fun part of your kid’s daily routine. 1. Let Them Choose Their Own Supplies Let your...
Read More

The Best Age to Get...

September 1st 2023

Braces can help create a straight, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Ideally, any corrections to the bite, jaw, or mouth structure should be performed during adolescence while the mouth is still forming. Here is what you need to know before your child begins treatment with braces. Does My Child Need Braces? You might be...
Read More

7 Experiences Every Child Should...

August 15th 2023

As you have probably come to realize, children grow up quickly — sometimes too quickly. Make sure you savor each precious moment by giving them the gift of shared experiences. These should be meaningful but do not need to be elaborate.  Here are seven things we suggest doing with your child before they reach age...
Read More