When you get a cold or the flu, over-the-counter medicines can help minimize symptoms and speed up your recovery. While these medications are often effective, they can also damage your teeth, requiring dentist visits and possible dental work. Below, learn about three common cold/flu medicines, the oral health issues they can cause, and how to prevent damage to your teeth when using them.

The Common Cold/Flu Medications & Their Effects on Teeth

1. Decongestants

Decongestants are designed to dry out your mouth, sinuses, and nasal passages. This can be a welcome reprieve when dealing with the onslaught of mucus and saliva that tends to come with colds. However, decongestants can easily dry out your mouth too much. 

Saliva plays an important role in rinsing the teeth clean and minimizing bacteria buildup. When the mouth is too dry, sugars and bacteria will more easily stick to teeth and gums, increasing your risk for cavities and periodontal disease. If you need to take decongestants, always carry a bottle of water and routinely sip from it to keep your mouth moist.

2. Cough Syrup

Cough syrup manufacturers load their products up with sugar to conceal the bitter, medicinal taste of these remedies. And increased sugar intake raises your chances of developing cavities. Further complicating the issue is the fact that many cough syrups also contain alcohol, which dries out the mouth and makes it even easier for sugars to stick to the teeth. 

Sugar interacts with bacteria in the mouth to form acids that eat away at teeth and gums. After every dose of cough syrup, brush your teeth thoroughly. 

3. Cough Drops & Throat Lozenges

Most cough drops and throat lozenges contain exorbitant amounts of sugar. Not only does this make them more appetizing, but sugar has a demulcent effect, which means it coats the tissues of the throat and reduces pain and coughing. 

But the sugar can lead to cavities, and the bright coloring agents added to these products can stain your teeth; your diminished smile may inspire a visit to the dentist for teeth whitening procedures. Aim to keep cough drop and lozenge use to an absolute minimum. If you need them, follow up every dose with brushing or at least rinsing your mouth well with water or a non-alcohol-based mouthwash.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or discoloration after using a cold or flu product, visit your dentist. Stacy Lesley DDS has been serving the Concord, NC, area since 2010. Dr. Lesley and her team of dentists provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services. Call (704) 766-1488 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.