As winter draws closer, so does the familiar wave of seasonal illnesses – from colds and flu to stomach bugs like norovirus, commonly known as the "winter vomiting bug." Beyond the typical symptoms, these winter ailments may also affect your dental health in ways you might not expect. 

We caught up with Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, as she shared her insights on why it's important you protect your smile from illnesses like norovirus, the flu and other winter bugs even if you're feeling under the weather and what you should be doing to maintain your smile as winter approaches.  

How do you catch norovirus?  

According to the NHS, norovirus can be spread very easily. You can catch the bug from close contact with someone who is infected, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth or eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. Although hand sanitiser may work on the go, it isn't able to combat norovirus. To reduce your risk of infection, make sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 

What are the symptoms of norovirus?  

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug” is a stomach bug that typically rears its head annually during the winter months. Those who catch norovirus typically start to develop symptoms after two days, at which point they may experience symptoms such as nausea and sickness. Norovirus can cause a high temperature or headache and some even experience aches and pains in their arms and legs.  

What are the different types of noroviruses?  

Like the common cold, there are many different strains of norovirus – making it likely you'll catch the illness more than once in your lifetime. Although you may be able to develop immunity to specific types, the most common being gastroenteritis, there are actually at least 29 known strains of norovirus that can affect humans.  

How norovirus can affect your oral health 

Nyree commented: “When suffering from a sickness bug, your teeth are more exposed to stomach acid which could be harmful to your teeth. Over time, stomach acid can cause erosion to the tooth’s enamel, which could make you more susceptible to sensitivity and ultimately tooth decay.” 

She continued: “If you’re currently suffering with a sickness bug, it’s important to refrain from brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting to protect your teeth. To manage discomfort and mitigate any nasty tastes that occur as a result of vomiting, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water in the first instance, and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth or using mouthwash.  

If you don’t leave enough of a gap in-between vomiting and brushing your teeth, you’ll brush the acid around your teeth - and while the minty flavour will be refreshing, you’ll ultimately damage your enamel, which could have a long-lasting impact on your oral health.” 

When to visit your dentist about a winter cold, flu or bug  

Nyree continued: “With seasonal colds, flus and bugs more prevalent during the colder months, you may also find that if you are run down, you could develop cold sores, chapped lips, or tooth and gum sensitivity. These can all be common symptoms of a cold, flu or bug, but if you notice that they don’t go away within a week, it’s worth contacting your dentist so that they can provide you with a check-up and ensure that everything is ok. In some instances, recurring or persistent ulcers could be a sign of more serious conditions such as mouth cancer, but your dentist will be well-placed to provide you with individual support and advice. Early detection is key in these cases, so your dentist will most likely recommend you go in for a check-up, where they will assess your oral health and provide you with tailored guidance where needed.” 

Nyree concluded: “If you find that your lips are getting chapped, or you do get sensitive teeth when you’re outdoors in cold weather, try covering your mouth with a scarf to minimise discomfort. If your tooth sensitivity persists while in the warmth or at home, contact your dentist for further advice. If you do catch a bug, flu or cold, you may also want to consider changing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head to prevent any chances of re-infection once you’ve recovered.” 

Looking after your smile this winter 

As the winter months approach, it’s important to look after not only your general health but also your dental health when seasonal illnesses strike. Stomach bugs, colds, and flu can affect your smile in unexpected ways, from exposing your teeth to harmful stomach acids to causing sensitivity and discomfort.  

Follow our guidance on protecting your teeth and gums to maintain your smile even when you’re feeling under the weather. Remember, if symptoms persist or if you have concerns about your oral health, your dentist is there to provide you with support and advice tailored to your needs. 

If you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today. Or, browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk.