It’s an unfortunate fact that every parent needs to deal with: our kids are especially susceptible to colds and flu. So it may not be welcome news to find out that many over-the-counter cold medicines are loaded with sugar. That sugar can leave an unhealthy coating on your child’s teeth and can also cause dry mouth, both of which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage that can be caused by cold medicines. Have your child rinse right after taking the medicine, which will help to remove some of the sugary coating left behind on teeth. If your child is very young and unable to rinse or floss on his/her own, use a damp washcloth to wipe off your child’s teeth after administering the cold medicine. Also, make sure your child stays hydrated by providing plenty of fluids throughout each day.
Unfortunately, it’s not just over-the-counter cold medicines that can damage your child’s teeth. As parents, we might not give a second thought to giving our little ones a baby aspirin if they’re not feeling well. But you should remember that aspirin is acidic and can damage the enamel on your child’s teeth. If your child is old enough to simply swallow an aspirin with water, the acid isn’t usually a problem. But a chewable tablet can remain in your child’s mouth longer, which can release the acid in the aspirin. Encourage your child to swallow an aspirin with water, or make sure the child rinses with water after chewing an aspirin tablet.
If your pediatrician has prescribed an antibiotic for your child, you should know that some of these medicines can stain your kids’ teeth, turning them permanently yellow or even somewhat brown. This is especially common in very young children, under the age of six or seven. Antibiotics shown to stain children’s teeth include doxycycline, oxytetracylin, and tetracycline.
If your child is suffering from a stuffy nose, you should remember that like many other medications, antihistamines often cause a dry mouth. And a dry mouth can lead to an increased growth of bacteria, which can negatively impact your child’s gum tissue.
As parents, we all want to do what’s right for our children by keeping them healthy and feeling their best. During cold and flu season, many of these medicines can help your children overcome their symptoms, but remember to take extra precautions to help protect their teeth and gums as well.
