Health Concerns After Dental Hygiene Routine
(16 years old, 5’3, 117 lbs, no significant medical history or prior conditions, non-smoker) Apologies for the unclear title. I’ve noticed that when I maintain a daily brushing regimen twice a day for over four consecutive days, I begin to experience symptoms like sore throat and a runny nose. Typically, I brush once a day or occasionally every other day when my teeth feel coated with plaque, but whenever I increase my brushing frequency, after several days I start to feel unwell, similar to the onset of a cold or flu. I dedicate 2 minutes to brushing, followed by rinsing with mouthwash and flossing. I am wondering if this reaction is common or indicative of an issue with my oral microbiome. My suspicion is that gargling might be eliminating beneficial bacteria, making me more vulnerable to illness once those bacteria are diminished.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 8:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some unexpected symptoms after increasing your dental hygiene routine, which is understandably concerning. While maintaining good oral hygiene is important, the symptoms you describe—sore throat and runny nose—are not typical responses to brushing or flossing.
Explanation:
Oral hygiene usually doesn't lead to systemic symptoms like those of a cold or flu. It’s possible that your increase in brushing frequency might be coinciding with exposure to allergens or viruses, or it could be related to other factors such as dry air, seasonal allergies, or even changes in technique that irritate your throat.
You mentioned concerns about your oral microbiome, and while it’s true that good bacteria play a role in health, typical dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing do not significantly harm beneficial oral bacteria when done correctly. Over-brushing or using too much mouthwash, especially those containing alcohol, can irritate the throat and mouth.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Technique: Ensure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brushing too hard, which can irritate your mouth and throat.
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Evaluate Mouthwash Use: Check if the mouthwash you’re using contains alcohol or strong flavors that could irritate your throat. Consider switching to an alcohol-free option.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. This can help keep your throat moist and reduce irritation.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of your brushing habits, symptoms, and any changes in your environment (like allergens) for at least a week. This can help identify patterns and triggers.
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Gradual Change: If you want to increase your brushing, try doing it gradually—maybe start with 1.5 times a day and see if your symptoms persist.
If your symptoms continue despite these adjustments, or if they worsen, consider seeking advice from a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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