DENTAL CARE WHEN SICK Q: Is it okay to let dental care go temporarily while I'm sick? A: If your system is already compromised by a short- term or long-term illness, it's even more important for you to keep up your dental health. Keeping up your dental care will protect your mouth and may contribute to your overall recovery. Keep these thoughts in mind: If you've had a sore throat, mouth infection, a cold or the flu, replace your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself. Keep the toothbrush of any sick family member isolated from the others. If you have a respiratory infection, sore throat or stuffed head with mucus and post-nasal drip, your breath is not going to be the most pleasant. You'll feel better, as will the people around you, if you keep your mouth as fresh as possible. If you go even a few days without brushing and flossing, plaque can harden to the point at which it's impossible to remove at home. In addition, some medicines can affect your mouth adversely. They can cause dry mouth, for instance. And some have sugar in them. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, take those medicines with a meal to reduce the impact of the sugar on your teeth. For more information, talk with your dentist. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL2068770 DENTAL CARE WHEN SICK Q : Is it okay to let dental care go temporarily while I'm sick ? A : If your system is already compromised by a short term or long - term illness , it's even more important for you to keep up your dental health . Keeping up your dental care will protect your mouth and may contribute to your overall recovery . Keep these thoughts in mind : If you've had a sore throat , mouth infection , a cold or the flu , replace your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself . Keep the toothbrush of any sick family member isolated from the others . If you have a respiratory infection , sore throat or stuffed head with mucus and post - nasal drip , your breath is not going to be the most pleasant . You'll feel better , as will the people around you , if you keep your mouth as fresh as possible . If you go even a few days without brushing and flossing , plaque can harden to the point at which it's impossible to remove at home . In addition , some medicines can affect your mouth adversely . They can cause dry mouth , for instance . And some have sugar in them . Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor , take those medicines with a meal to reduce the impact of the sugar on your teeth . For more information , talk with your dentist . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM - CL2068770