Getting sick does not mean taking a vacation from caring for your teeth. It may be more difficult, but it is an important part of getting better. You need to keep the germs in your mouth down, so it does not cause you to relapse and get sick all over again.
Plus, if you have been vomiting, you need to clean the acids out of your mouth as soon as possible. Here are a few things that can help keep your mouth clean and healthy when you get sick.
Keeping Your Mouth and Body Healthier When You Get Sick
Brushing should go from two times a day up to three, as you are lying there trying to feel better, but moving, speaking, and eating far less than usual in most cases. This allows the bacteria to quickly multiply, so getting them out of your mouth quickly is essential.
If you have been vomiting, rinse with water right after, then after about 30 minutes, brush your teeth. This keeps the bacteria levels down, and lessens the chances of you getting sick all over again, or getting worse while already fighting this off.
Mouthwash is good to use at least 2-3 times per day when you are sick. It helps to rid your mouth of extra bacteria and any food particles you may have missed the last time you brushed. It can be used after brushing, or between brushing.
Make sure, if you get sick that as soon as you start to feel even slightly better, you replace your toothbrush. You do not want to put that dirty toothbrush back into your mouth with those bacteria and germs on it. It is nearly a guarantee that you will get sick again if you do.
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