Feeling sick is tough enough without having to worry about your braces. A sore throat, congestion, or a queasy stomach can make it tempting to let your usual routine slide—but skipping out on care can lead to bigger issues down the road. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics help patients in Mobile and Jackson keep their treatment on track, even on sick days. Let’s start with the most important step—keeping your braces clean when you’re not feeling your best.
Keeping Your Braces Clean on Sick Days
When you’re under the weather, brushing and flossing might not be high on your priority list. But skipping out on oral care can lead to plaque buildup, especially if you’re sipping on sugary drinks or taking liquid medicine. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics have a few simple steps that can make all the difference.
Sick-Day Survival Tips for Braces Care:
- Rinse Often: If brushing feels like too much, swish with water or a saltwater rinse to clear away bacteria.
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: When your mouth feels sensitive, a soft-bristled brush will be gentler on your gums.
- Don’t Skip Flossing: If traditional flossing feels like too much, try a floss pick or water flosser for a quicker clean.
Keeping your braces clean helps speed up recovery and keeps your treatment on track. Now, let’s go over which foods can help you feel better without causing trouble for your braces.
Braces-Friendly Foods When You’re Feeling Sick
When you’re sick, comfort foods can make all the difference—but some favorites don’t mix well with braces. Crunchy crackers, sticky cough drops, and citrus-heavy juices can cause irritation or get stuck in brackets. The Pickett Orthodontics team recommends choosing soft, soothing options that are gentle on your mouth and easy to eat.
Best Foods for Sick Days with Braces:
- Chicken and Rice Soup – Warm, easy to swallow, and packed with nutrients.
- Mashed Potatoes – A Southern classic that’s soft, filling, and braces-safe.
- Scrambled Eggs – A simple, protein-packed option that won’t irritate sore gums.
- Oatmeal or Yogurt – Smooth and gentle, with added probiotics to help digestion.
- Applesauce or Bananas – Naturally sweet and easy to eat without chewing.
Foods to Avoid:
- Crunchy crackers – Can break apart and get stuck in brackets.
- Cough drops with sugar – Sticky residue increases the risk of cavities.
- Acidic juices (orange, lemonade) – Can irritate sensitive gums and enamel.
Eating the right foods can help you recover while keeping your braces safe. But staying hydrated is just as important—let’s go over the best drinks to sip on when you’re sick.
Stay Hydrated Without Harming Your Braces
When you’re sick, drinking enough fluids is just as important as eating the right foods. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics suggest sticking to hydration options that keep you feeling better without causing trouble for your teeth.
Best Drinks for Staying Hydrated:
- Water – The best choice for flushing out bacteria and staying hydrated.
- Herbal Teas – Chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea can soothe a sore throat without sugar or acid.
- Warm Broths – Hydrating and packed with nutrients, perfect for when you don’t feel like eating.
Drinks to Avoid:
- Sports Drinks & Juice – Even if they help replenish electrolytes, the sugar and acid can harm your teeth.
- Soda & Energy Drinks – Loaded with sugar and acidity that can lead to plaque buildup.
- Milkshakes & Smoothies with Added Sugar – While they may be soft, too much sugar can increase the risk of cavities.
Choosing the right drinks helps keep your braces clean and your mouth comfortable. But medications can also play a role in your oral health—let’s go over how to manage them when you’re sick.
Managing Medications Without Harming Your Braces
When you’re sick, over-the-counter medications can help ease symptoms, but some can also affect your braces and teeth. Here’s a few simple ways to keep your teeth protected while taking medication:
Choose Sugar-Free Options
Look for sugar-free cough syrups, lozenges, and throat sprays to avoid sticky residue.
Opt for Pills When Possible
Tablets or capsules are better alternatives to sugary liquid medications.
Rinse or Brush After Taking Liquid Medicine
If you need to take a syrup-based medication, rinse with water or brush your teeth afterward to remove any lingering sugar.
Use a Humidifier
Instead of relying on cough drops, a humidifier can help with congestion and dry throat discomfort.
Medications can help you recover faster, but taking a few extra steps will keep your braces and oral health in top shape. Now, let’s go over why sticking to your orthodontic routine—even when sick—is so important.
Stick to Your Orthodontic Routine—Even When You’re Sick!
When you’re sick, keeping up with braces care might feel like a chore, but skipping it can slow down progress. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics encourage patients to stick to their routine as much as possible.
Simple Ways to Stay on Track:
- Keep a toothbrush and floss nearby so you don’t have to leave your bed to clean your braces.
- Use a mouth rinse if brushing feels like too much effort.
- Wear your elastics unless congestion makes it difficult to breathe.
- Do what you can and get back to your full routine as soon as you start feeling better.
If you ever have concerns about your braces while you’re sick, Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics are always here to help. A little extra care goes a long way, and before you know it, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself again!
Rest, Recover, and Keep That Smile in Check
Feeling under the weather doesn’t mean your braces have to suffer. With a little extra effort and a few smart swaps, you can keep your treatment on track while you rest and recover. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics are here to help patients in Mobile and Jackson, Alabama, stay on course—sick days and all. If you ever have questions or need a check-up, schedule a complimentary consultation or call us at 251-758-1195 and we’ll get you back on track!
