What Happens To Your Teeth When You Are Unwell

From toothaches to yellowing, the effects of illness can linger on your smile long after the rest of you is fighting fit. Here are the common things that happen to our teeth when we’re under the weather.

Not only can some medications and vomiting dehydrate your body; it can also dehydrate your mouth. When you are low on saliva, you’re low on the magic ingredient that keeps our teeth clean and pH-neutral. Keeping your fluids up is key! Try to avoid using lemon and honey, due to the high acidity and sugars. Instead, frequently sip water.

Vomiting brings your teeth into frequent contact with your stomach acid. Being unwell can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode, making them brittle, hypersensitive and vulnerable to decay. Typically, the first thing you will want to do after vomiting is brush your teeth. Avoid brushing straight away. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, or a non-alcoholic fluoride mouth rinse, then brush your teeth 30 minutes after, to avoid rubbing the acid further onto your teeth.  

Syrupy, sugary medicines and lozenges dominate the cold and flu shelves at the pharmacy, but are really bad for your teeth! Opt for sugar free versions, and rinse your mouth regularly with water to keep gingivitis and bad breath under control. You many notice your teeth look more yellow. This can be the cause of dehydration, sugary medicines that sit on your teeth overnight, or neglecting to brush your teeth while you are unwell.