It’s that time of year again, when coughing and sneezing seem to be everywhere. Flu season brings sniffles, sore throats, and fevers, but it can also affect your child’s mouth in ways you might not expect. From dry mouth to changes in daily routines, being sick can take a toll on oral health. 

How Flu Season Can Affect Your Child’s Oral Health

Mouth Breathing

When a child has a cold or the flu, they often breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. This dries out saliva, which plays an important role in protecting teeth from germs and plaque. When there isn’t enough saliva, bacteria can build up more quickly and increase the risk of cavities.

Changes in Eating and Drinking

During flu season, it’s common for kids to skip meals and snack more throughout the day. They may also reach for juice or soda more often since sweet drinks can feel soothing when they’re not feeling well. When kids snack and sip frequently, sugar stays on their teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to create acid that wears down enamel. Even healthier snacks like fruit can be acidic and cause enamel wear when they’re eaten or sipped on all day.

Skipping Daily Brushing

When your child is sick, brushing and flossing often slip down the to-do list. Tired kids and stressed parents naturally focus on rest and comfort first. Even missing brushing for a short time can allow plaque to harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, it can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Mouth Sensitivity

Being sick puts extra stress on a child’s immune system, which can make their gums more sensitive. You might notice redness, swelling, or bleeding during brushing. While this is usually temporary, sore gums can make brushing uncomfortable and cause kids to avoid it. Using a soft toothbrush, brushing gently, and keeping up with regular routines can help protect gum health until your child starts to feel better.

Cold Sores and Other Mouth Irritations

Flu season can also trigger cold sores in some children, especially if they already carry the virus that causes them. When the body is run down, and the immune system is working overtime, flare-ups can appear around the lips or mouth. These sores can be uncomfortable and may make kids reluctant to eat or brush their teeth.

Keep a Routine

Keeping routines as normal as possible can really help. Encourage your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and sip water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away sugars and keeps the mouth moist. If a medication is sweet, have your child drink water or rinse their mouth afterward.

Supportive Dental Care for Your Child at Bubble

Flu season can be hard on families, and even small changes in routine can affect your child’s oral health more than you might realize. We’re here to support you with gentle care and simple guidance, helping you understand what’s happening in your child’s mouth and how to protect it. Our team focuses on making every visit calm and comfortable, so your child feels at ease each time they’re in the chair. To learn more about how Bubble Children’s Dentistry can help you and your child, contact us today at (617) 655-9410.