Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
While it is important to maintain a good daily regimen of oral care after getting your dental implants crowns, it it especially important to maintain good dental hygiene when you are sick. Although brushing and flossing when you're sick will make you psychologically feel better, it may also lower your risk for developing oral problems with your new implants. Here are three ways you can keep your implant crowns in good shape when you are feeling under the weather.
Choose Cough Drops Wisely
Cough drops and throat lozenges can contain high amounts of sugar that may appear on the label as corn syrup or fructose. When you are sick, sucking on a sugary cough drop or lozenge is soothing, but because bacteria thrives in sugary environments, you may be at risk of developing cavities.
In addition, cough drops containing sugar may increase acid production inside your mouth, which can lead to dental erosion. If you need a cough drop or throat lozenge, look for natural brands, or choose a sugar-free type. While sugar-free brands will help protect your teeth, consuming too many of them may lead to abdominal cramps, gas, and diarrhea.
Frequently Rinse Out Your Mouth
If your illness causes frequent vomiting, you will need to swish your mouth out after each episode to help keep your teeth healthy. Vomiting can cause irritating stomach acid to come into contact with your gums, dental implants, and natural teeth, which can cause tissue inflammation and acid erosion.
While you may want to brush your teeth soon after throwing up, try to wait. Brushing your teeth right away before rinsing your mouth will actually disperse the acids around and in-between your implants, potentially causing damage to your crowns or gums. To further cleanse away stomach acid from your teeth, add a pinch of baking soda to your water when swishing out your mouth. Do not swallow the mixture, and be sure to brush your teeth after half an hour or so.
Drink Plenty Of Water
If you have an upper respiratory infection with subsequent nasal congestion, you might be tempted to breathe through your mouth. This can cause a dry mouth, which is not only unpleasant, but may also heighten your risk for gingivitis. In addition, certain medications such as decongestants, fever reducers, and antihistamines can also cause a dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your oral tissues hydrated and will also help wash away infection-causing bacteria that can accumulate in your mouth.
Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages, as the former can breed oral bacteria, while the latter can further add to dry mouth and dehydration. If you are sick, work with both your dentist and physician to develop a treatment plan to help you recover. In the meantime, try incorporating the above interventions during your illness to help keep your mouth healthy while you recover.
Share12 February 2018
