Cold and flu season arrives every fall and winter, and when your kiddo gets sick, it can take a toll on their whole body, including their dental health. From dehydration and sugary medications to vomiting and derailed routines, even a short illness can put extra stress on their smile. The good news? A little care goes a long way to keep their smile protected while they rest and recover. 

Let’s take a look at how being sick affects dental health and some easy, kid-friendly ways to keep your kiddo’s smile healthy throughout the cold and flu season. 

How does being sick affect dental health? 

When kids are sick, the changes in their habits and routines can have a bigger impact on their teeth than most parents realize:  

Dehydration reduces saliva: A dry mouth means less natural protection against cavities. 

Sugary medicines can increase cavity risk: Many kid-friendly liquid medications and chewables contain sugar or are acidic, which can weaken enamel.

Mouth breathing further dries out gums: Congestion causes kids to breathe through their mouth, drying the gums and increasing plaque build-up. 

Routines get disrupted: The importance of brushing and flossing usually falls off the radar, giving bacteria more time to grow.  

And lastly, if your kiddo is experiencing a stomach bug:  

Vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid: Stomach acid is strong enough to soften enamel, making teeth more vulnerable. 

Kid-Friendly Dental Care Tips for Cold & Flu Season 

Sick days affect many parts of your kiddo’s routine. Here are some practical ways to support good dental health while they recover:  

  1. Keep them hydrated. Hydration keeps saliva flowing, which naturally protects their teeth and helps wash away food and bacteria. Sick kids don’t always feel like drinking plain water, so try fun options like using a silly straw, offering warm broth, or trying sugar-free electrolyte drinks. Even small sips throughout the day make a big difference.
  2. Keep brushing & flossing. When kids feel sick, brushing and flossing can feel like a big job, and it’s normal for routines to slip. If brushing feels like a battle, try turning it into a game, playing their favorite song, or offering a small reward afterward.
  3. Be mindful of medication. Many kid-friendly medicines are sugary or acidic. After giving medication, offer a quick sip of water to rinse things away. If it’s close to bedtime, a gentle brush helps remove any leftover sugar.
  4. Avoid sharing personal items. Kids love to share… even when they’re sick. When someone in your family is sick, try to keep items separate to prevent germs from bouncing around the house. Label cups and toothbrushes and remind siblings not to swap drinks.
  5. Rinse after vomiting. If they’ve been vomiting, avoid brushing right away because stomach acid can soften enamel. Instead, have them rinse with plain water. After about 30 minutes, they can brush gently to remove any leftover residue.
  6. Replace their toothbrush after being sick. Once your kiddo is back to their bright self, it’s a good idea to replace their toothbrush. New bristles help clean more effectively, and swapping out old brushes reduces the chance of reintroducing germs. Plus, as a general rule, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles look worn.  

Small Habits Make a Big Difference 

Caring for your kiddo’s teeth while they’re sick doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With hydration, gentle brushing, simple hygiene habits, and a fresh toothbrush afterward, you can keep their smile healthy all season long.  

If they’re due for a cleaning, now’s an ideal time to schedule it, especially before year-end benefits reset or holiday schedules fill up. 

Book an Appointment  

  

Dr. David Trent

This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. David Trent, Chief Medical Officer and Oral Surgeon at Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics.