Your mouth is a complex system, and taking care of it means more than just teeth cleaning and visits to the dentist. What you put in your body also affects your dental enamel and your risk of tooth decay--even medication for seemingly unrelated conditions. Here's what you should be aware of when taking cold and flu medicine.

Cough Drops

Cough drops and throat lozenges take a long time to dissolve, providing a steady flow of mild medication and other soothing ingredients to ease a sore throat. However, many of them are also sweetened, and holding them in your mouth is about the same as sucking on hard candy--a habit your dentist would discourage. The sugar sits on your teeth for a long time, feeding bacteria and encouraging decay. Consider other options for soothing your throat, like a medicated spray.

Decongestants

A decongestant is designed to dry up the flow of mucus in your nose, but because your mouth, nose, and throat are interconnected systems, it can also dry out your saliva. Saliva is necessary to dilute the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and wash away the food debris they feed on. Drink water frequently to make up for the lack of saliva production.

Liquid Medicine & Tea

Cough syrup and tea also usually contain sugar and may also have strong colors which can stain your teeth. If you need to use liquid medications, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward. A better alternative is pills or gel capsules, which often deliver the same ingredients without coating your dental enamel. If you already have stained teeth from cough syrup or tea, ask your dentist about teeth whitening options.

If you're overdue for a visit to the dentist office, make an appointment with Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. Conveniently located downtown, they have served the area for 55 years with a full selection of dental services, from simple cleanings to non-surgical gum treatments, dental implants, and bridges. To schedule an appointment, call them at (907) 278-2521 or send a message online.