Braces During Illness: What Are the Dos and Don’ts?

Caring for your braces is already a top priority, but what happens when you get sick? Illness can make it easy to overlook your oral hygiene routine, but keeping your braces clean and your mouth healthy is just as important during these times. At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics, Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh and his team are here to help you manage your braces care—even when you’re feeling under the weather. Let’s dive into some essential dos and don’ts for caring for your braces when you’re sick.

Do: Stay Hydrated

When you’re feeling sick, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water, but staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for both your overall health and your oral hygiene. Drinking water helps keep your mouth moist, which reduces the risk of bacteria building up around your braces. It also washes away food particles and sugars that can get stuck in the brackets and wires.

Why hydration matters:

  • Flushes out bacteria: Water helps rinse away harmful bacteria that can lead to plaque and other oral health problems.
  • Prevents dry mouth: A dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, especially when you’re sick.
  • Soothes the throat: Staying hydrated can also help soothe a dry or sore throat.

Be sure to sip on water throughout the day to keep your mouth and body healthy. Now that you’re staying hydrated, let’s discuss why brushing and flossing are even more important and necessary when you’re feeling ill.

Braces During Illness: What Are the Dos and Don’ts?

Don’t: Skip Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing are non-negotiable, even when you’re feeling under the weather. Bacteria doesn’t take a break just because you’re sick, and neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup around your braces. At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics, we remind our patients that skipping a day or two of brushing could result in longer-term issues, like cavities or gum irritation, that may extend their treatment time.

Tips for Brushing and Flossing While Sick:

  • Brush twice a day: Even if you feel tired, be sure to brush for two minutes each time, focusing on the brackets and wires.
  • Floss carefully: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to reach between your teeth and around your braces.
  • Use an orthodontic toothbrush: These are designed to get into those hard-to-reach spots around your brackets.

Sticking to your routine ensures that your braces stay clean and your teeth healthy, even when you’re not feeling your best. Next, let’s look at the benefits of using mouthwash to keep your mouth fresh and germ-free during illness.

Do: Use Mouthwash

Using mouthwash when you’re sick can be a quick and effective way to keep your mouth clean, especially if brushing feels like a challenge. Here’s why mouthwash can be your go-to tool during those sick days:

Benefits of Mouthwash:

  • Kills Bacteria: A quick rinse helps reduce harmful bacteria that can get trapped around your braces.
  • Freshens Breath: Let’s face it, illness can sometimes bring along bad breath. A rinse with mouthwash can help.
  • Soothes the Throat: Many mouthwashes, especially those with soothing agents, can also ease a sore throat.

Tips for Mouthwash Use:

  1. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth.
  2. Swish for at least 30 seconds, focusing on getting the rinse around your braces.
  3. Use it once or twice a day as part of your oral hygiene routine.

With just a quick rinse, mouthwash can give you that extra boost of cleanliness when you’re feeling too tired for your full brushing routine. Now, let’s talk about why it’s important to steer clear of sugary snacks and drinks while you’re sick.

Braces During Illness: What Are the Dos and Don’ts?

Don’t: Consume Sugary Drinks or Snacks

It’s tempting to reach for comfort foods or sugary drinks when you’re feeling sick, but these can wreak havoc on your braces. At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics, Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh advises patients to avoid sugary options, especially when oral hygiene might not be as easy to manage during illness.

Why Sugary Foods and Drinks Are a No-Go:

  • Increase plaque buildup: Sugar fuels bacteria, which can lead to more plaque on your teeth and around your braces.
  • Difficult to clean: Sticky or sugary foods can get lodged in your brackets and wires, making it tougher to remove, especially if you’re too tired to brush thoroughly.
  • Risk of cavities: The longer sugar sits on your teeth, the higher the risk of developing cavities.

Better Alternatives:

  • Drink water or herbal teas instead of sugary beverages.
  • Choose soft, non-sugary foods like soup, applesauce, or yogurt that are easier to eat and less likely to stick to your braces.

By making smarter food choices, you can protect your braces and teeth while giving your body the fuel it needs to recover. Now, let’s explore how sticking to soft, easy-to-eat foods can be a game-changer when you’re not feeling well.

Do: Stick to Soft, Easy-to-Eat Foods

When you’re sick, your body needs nourishment, but chewing hard or crunchy foods can be a challenge, especially with braces. Opting for soft, easy-to-eat foods can make meals more comfortable while protecting your braces from damage.

Braces-Friendly Food Ideas:

  • Mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs provide nutrients without putting strain on your teeth.
  • Soup and yogurt are gentle on your braces and easy to swallow.
  • Smoothies offer a tasty way to pack in vitamins while being easy on sensitive teeth and gums.

By making these small adjustments, you can care for your braces and your health at the same time, even during illness. Taking these extra steps will keep your treatment on track, so you’re ready to bounce back to full strength—and a healthy smile—once you’re feeling better!

Braces During Illness: What Are the Dos and Don’ts?

Brace Yourself, Even When You’re Under the Weather

Caring for your braces during illness doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about keeping up with a few essential habits. By staying hydrated, brushing and flossing, and making smart food choices, you’ll protect your teeth and your treatment progress. Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh and the team at Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics in Kansas City and Sedalia are here to help you stay on track, no matter how you’re feeling. Schedule your free consultation today to keep your smile healthy!