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When you have a cold is not uncommon to have tooth pain or gum pain, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Here are two of the most common reasons why you may have painful teeth during a cold.

Sinus Pressure

When you have a cold, your sinus cavities just above your upper back teeth can become filled with mucus, making these teeth feel sore. Relieve the pressure by placing a warm damp towel around your nose and cheeks, but if the pain persists, see your doctor just in case you have a sinus infection.

Dry Mouth

When your nose is blocked, breathing through your mouth can result in a dry mouth. Continually breathing through your mouth can dry out your teeth and gums, and lips and a lack of saliva can lead to more plaque buildup over your teeth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and other dental infections, so regular brushing and flossing are even more important. When you cannot breathe through your nose, make sure you drink plenty of water. Also, many decongestants and painkillers can cause dry mouth, so after taking these medicines, make sure you have a glass of water.

One of the most common questions about orthodontic treatment is how long will it take to complete, and it’s a tricky one to answer. The exact time needed can vary considerably because every person has different issues requiring correction.

Usually, if treatment is pretty straightforward and there are just a few teeth that need straightening, treatment may be completed within 6 to 12 months. A more complex case where teeth require significant realignment can take two years. Most of the time, treatment is complete in around a year to 18 months.

The time needed also depends on the type of appliance chosen. For example, traditional fixed metal and ceramic braces can provide faster results than lingual braces fitted to the inside surfaces of teeth. Also, lingual braces tend to need more adjustments and more appointments. Invisalign is a popular system that realigns teeth using clear plastic aligners, but it can also take longer because only minor changes are achieved when the aligners are changed every two weeks.

Some people have teeth that move relatively quickly, while others have teeth that don’t respond as well to treatment. The best way to make sure your treatment finishes as soon as possible and achieves the best results is to follow your dentist’s advice.

You need a healthy immune system to help you fight infection and disease, and one of the easiest ways to boost your community is by following a healthy diet. When you eat healthily, it provides your body with all the vitamins and minerals and energy needed to help you fight disease.

Ideally, follow a diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and avoid smoking and using alcohol to excess. Ensure you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight and get enough sleep. Following these simple steps will help keep your immune system working effectively.

Surprisingly, few studies have investigated how nutrition affects the immune system, but there is limited evidence showing that vitamin deficiencies can alter immune responses in animals. If you don’t like fruits and vegetables or think your diet isn’t healthy, ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement.  It’s worth being cautious as taking too much of a single vitamin could be harmful. Older people often eat a less varied diet that can be deficient in specific micronutrients, and dietary supplements may help them maintain a stronger and healthier immune system, but again it is something that should be discussed with a GP.

If you feel a little anxious or nervous when coming to see us, you certainly aren’t alone! We also know that some people avoid dental care or delay essential dental care because of deep-seated fears. No matter your degree of anxiety, we are here to help you, and everyone here is extremely friendly, easy to talk to and compassionate.

Talk to Us

The first step in overcoming dental anxieties and fears is to talk to us. Once we understand why you have these feelings, we can work with you to ensure you receive treatment more comfortably. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if you have a low pain threshold, let us know. Receiving dental care should never feel scary or painful.

Taking Your Mind off the Dental Exam

Our dental team are here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. An alternative is to wear headphones and listen to your favourite music or audiobook. Some people find it helpful to bring a stress ball or fidget spinner.

Relaxation Techniques

Try using deep breathing exercises to release tension by inhaling slowly and exhaling for the same number of breaths. Focus on releasing tension from your forehead downwards until you relax all your muscles.

It’s important to make sure you use mouthwash correctly to get the maximum benefit.

What Is Mouthwash?

One of the main functions of mouthwash is for freshening breath, but some mouthwashes contain other helpful ingredients. These include fluoride and antibacterial agents. Using fluoride mouthwash can help protect your teeth against the acids produced by harmful bacteria. You may want to use an antibacterial mouthwash if you have a fungal infection or other gum problems.

Using Mouthwash Correctly

Make sure you read the instructions and dilute if necessary. If the label doesn’t tell you to dilute the mouthwash, be sure to use it neat to get maximum benefit. Use the right amount and swish the mouthwash around your mouth vigorously, keeping your mouth closed. The label will tell you how long to use the mouthwash, usually for 30 seconds to 1 minute before spitting it out. You should never swallow mouthwash, and if a child is using mouthwash, supervise them closely to make sure they spit it out. After using a fluoride mouthwash, avoid eating and drinking for at least half an hour afterwards to get the most benefit.

Mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing regularly but can complement your regular oral care routine.

Most people know that sugar is bad for their teeth, but it’s the bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugar and cause the damage. As bacteria consume sugar, they produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel, weakening it and eventually causing cavities. Many people are trying to cut down on their sugar consumption and are choosing artificial sweeteners instead.

While artificial sweeteners don’t contain any sugar and will not feed bacteria in your mouth, they can still negatively impact oral health. Many sweeteners have high levels of acid, and any form of acid will weaken your tooth enamel. Manufacturers add acids to artificial sweeteners and sugar-free drinks and sweets because it makes them taste better. If you want to have something containing an artificial sweetener, it’s best to choose chocolate flavoured products as these tend to have less acid than fruit flavoured drinks and foods.

However, there is one artificial sweetener that is good for your teeth and which is called xylitol. Xylitol can actually help reduce the risk of tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Over time, using xylitol helps reduce the number of decay-causing bacteria that survive on tooth surfaces.