Waking up sick is never fun, but dealing with a cold or flu while wearing braces? That’s a whole new level of frustration. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics know that staying on track with your braces during an illness takes a little extra effort—but the good news is, a few simple tricks can make things much easier. Let’s go over what you can do to care for your braces when you’re feeling under the weather.
Keeping Your Braces Clean When You’d Rather Stay in Bed
When you’re sick, brushing and flossing can feel as exhausting as running laps around Lake Eola. But skipping your routine can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and irritated gums—none of which will help you feel any better. MyFamily Orthodontics recommends a few easy tricks to keep your braces clean without making you feel like you’re running a marathon.
Brush in Shorter Sessions
If brushing your teeth feels like a chore, try splitting it up. Do a quick rinse and light brush in the morning, then follow up with a full routine when you have more energy.
Use Mouthwash as a Quick Fix
While it’s no replacement for brushing, an antibacterial rinse can help clear out germs when you’re too tired for the full routine.
Floss with a Water Flosser
If threading floss through brackets feels like too much work, a water flosser can make the job quicker and easier.
Switch to a Softer Toothbrush
If your mouth feels extra sensitive, a soft-bristled brush can help make cleaning more comfortable.
Keeping your braces clean is a big part of feeling better faster, but eating the right foods can also make a huge difference when you’re not feeling your best. Let’s talk about what’s easy to eat (and what to avoid) when you’re under the weather.
Braces-Friendly Foods for Sick Days
When you’re sick, even the thought of chewing can feel like too much effort—especially with braces in the mix. With certain foods already off-limits, finding something that won’t make you feel worse can seem like a challenge. But don’t worry—there are plenty of easy-to-eat, braces-friendly options that can keep you comfortable while giving your body the nutrients it needs to bounce back. A little smart snacking can go a long way in helping you feel better faster!
- Warm Soups & Broths: Chicken noodle soup isn’t just a classic comfort food—it’s also easy on sore throats and packed with the fluids your body needs.
- Mashed & Blended Foods: Applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies require little to no chewing, making them great choices when you don’t have the energy for a full meal.
- Scrambled Eggs & Yogurt: These protein-packed options help keep your energy up without being rough on your teeth or gums.
- Hydrating Drinks: Water and herbal teas help flush out germs and keep your mouth from feeling dry, especially if you’re dealing with congestion.
- Avoid Sugary & Acidic Drinks: Sports drinks and sodas may be tempting, but they can cling to brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup.
Finding the right foods can make a big difference in how you feel, but staying comfortable with braces while sick also means managing any soreness or irritation that comes with it. Let’s go over a few simple tricks to keep things as painless as possible.
Keeping Braces Comfortable When You’re Sick
When you’re not feeling your best, even the smallest annoyance—like a poking wire or an aching jaw—can feel ten times worse. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics understand that dealing with braces while sick can be frustrating, but a few simple tricks can help. Instead of letting your braces add to the misery, try these quick fixes to stay as comfortable as possible:
Use Orthodontic Wax
If brackets or wires are rubbing against sore gums, a little wax can work wonders. Just pinch a small piece and cover the irritating spot.
Try a Cold Compress
Holding a cool washcloth or ice pack against your jaw for 10-15 minutes can help ease soreness, especially if you’re feeling extra sensitive.
Rinse with Salt Water
A warm salt water rinse helps soothe irritation and clears away bacteria—perfect if your throat is feeling scratchy too.
Take Pain Relief if Needed
If your teeth feel achy, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
Rest as Much as Possible
The more you rest, the faster your body heals—so take it easy and let your immune system do its thing!
Braces shouldn’t add to your stress when you’re already under the weather, but what happens if your sickness comes with an upset stomach? Let’s go over how to care for your braces in case nausea strikes.
Keeping Your Braces (and Toothbrush) Fresh After Being Sick
Being sick isn’t fun, and dealing with braces on top of it can make things even trickier. But once you’re feeling better, a few extra steps can help protect your teeth and keep your treatment on track.
Brushing After Nausea
If nausea strikes, don’t grab your toothbrush right away—stomach acids can weaken enamel. Instead:
- Rinse First – Use water or a fluoride mouthwash to wash away acidity.
- Wait Before Brushing – Give it about 30 minutes before cleaning your braces.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush – Your teeth may be extra sensitive, so gentle brushing is best.
Swapping Out Your Toothbrush
Once you’re on the mend, it’s time to replace your toothbrush to avoid lingering germs.
- Change Your Brush – Germs can stick to bristles and increase the chance of reinfection.
- Consider an Electric Toothbrush – If brushing felt like a chore while sick, an electric brush can make it easier.
- Store Your Brush in an Open Area – A damp toothbrush in a closed container can trap bacteria.
Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics know that a little extra care now can save you from bigger headaches later, helping you bounce back without any orthodontic setbacks!
Braces, Bugs, and Bouncing Back
Being sick is rough, but your braces don’t have to make it worse. With a little extra care, you can keep your teeth clean, your brackets in check, and your treatment on track—so you can focus on feeling better. Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics are here to help patients in Orlando and Windermere through every part of treatment (even the sniffly ones). Schedule your free consultation today!