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:
-
Monitor Your Technique: Ensure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brushing too hard, which can irritate your mouth and throat.
-
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.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. This can help keep your throat moist and reduce irritation.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.
Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?
Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.