Should you keep brushing when you are unwell?
Yes, keep oral hygiene going if you can. A short illness such as a stomach bug or cold can leave you tired or dehydrated, but plaque still builds when brushing and cleaning between the teeth stop.
Healthdirect advises brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between the teeth at least once a day (healthdirect). If you cannot manage a full two minutes, a shorter session is still better than skipping the day. Spit out toothpaste; you do not need to rinse with water afterwards so fluoride can stay on the teeth.
Oral hygiene is the daily cleaning of teeth and gums that removes plaque. When you feel well enough, return to your usual routine. For technique reminders, see how to brush your teeth properly.
This page is general information for adults recovering from a short illness. It is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan, and it does not advise medicines for colds or flu.
What should you do after vomiting?
Rinse your mouth with water, then wait before you brush. Vomiting brings stomach acid into contact with the teeth. Dental erosion is wear of tooth enamel when acid softens it and the softened surface is then worn away (healthdirect; Better Health Channel).
Healthdirect advises rinsing with water or milk after vomiting, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing, because acid softens enamel for about 20 to 30 minutes until saliva helps wash it away (healthdirect). Better Health Channel gives the same timing and suggests rinsing with water or a fluoride mouth rinse first (Better Health Channel). The Australian Dental Association also links stomach acid from vomiting with tooth erosion and advises waiting before you brush after acid exposure (teeth.org.au).
After a vomit: rinse with water, wait at least 30 minutes, then brush with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste without pressing hard. Do not scrub straight away while enamel is still soft from acid.
Acid from drinks is a related pathway. See acidic drinks and tooth enamel.
Does sipping water help while you recover?
Yes. Sipping water supports hydration and helps rinse acid from the mouth. For gastroenteritis, healthdirect focuses on drinking enough fluids, with small, frequent sips of clear fluids (healthdirect). Plain water is also the everyday drink healthdirect recommends for oral health instead of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice (healthdirect).
Water does not replace medical advice for the illness. If you cannot keep fluids down, pass little urine, or feel dizzy when you stand, seek medical care for gastro (healthdirect). A GP manages the illness; a dentist manages tooth and gum problems.
Should you replace your toothbrush after an illness?
During gastroenteritis, healthdirect advises not sharing your toothbrush, towels, cups or cutlery (healthdirect). Keep household brushes apart so wet bristles do not touch while someone is unwell.
A live Australian government or ADA page that requires a new toothbrush after every cold or flu was not found for this article. Some people choose a fresh brush after they recover, especially if brushes have been stored together. Healthdirect separately advises replacing a toothbrush or electric brush head about every three months, or when bristles look worn (healthdirect). If your brush is due or frayed, change it. See how often should you replace your toothbrush.
Ask your dentist at AMK Dental Clinic if a fresh brush after recovery makes sense for your household.
Dental problem or GP — and when is it urgent?
A GP (or healthdirect on 1800 022 222) is the usual first contact for the illness itself — fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration risk. A dentist is the usual first contact for tooth pain, a cracked tooth, mouth bleeding that will not settle, or facial swelling linked to a tooth or gum problem.
| Situation | Who to contact first |
|---|---|
| Stomach bug, cold or flu without tooth pain | GP or healthdirect 1800 022 222 |
| Tooth pain or gum swelling lasting more than a couple of days | Dentist |
| Facial swelling with tooth pain | Dentist promptly; escalate if red flags below |
| Trouble breathing or speaking, or swelling around the eye or neck | 000 or hospital emergency department |
Healthdirect advises seeing a dentist as soon as possible if toothache and gum swelling last more than two days, or come with fever, trouble swallowing, pain on biting, a bad taste, or cheek or jaw swelling (healthdirect).
Call a dentist for tooth pain or swelling that needs attention within hours. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525. Friday mornings are set aside for dental emergencies — see Friday emergency dental hours in Mortlake and our emergency dentist page.
Seek emergency medical care if toothache or gum swelling causes problems with breathing or speaking, or swelling around the eye or neck (healthdirect). Call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department for those red flags. Outside clinic hours, healthdirect on 1800 022 222 can advise where to get care.
This table is a high-level guide only. It does not diagnose the cause of pain or swelling. If treatment beyond home care is recommended at a dental visit, you receive an itemised written estimate before it goes ahead. Results vary between people.
This page is general information only. Ask your dentist what is suitable for your teeth and gums.
Booking advice in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We serve Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
For tooth pain, swelling or advice after an illness, book online or call (02) 9739 6525. See opening hours on the Contact page.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Should I brush my teeth straight after vomiting?
No. Healthdirect advises rinsing with water or milk after vomiting, then waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing, because acid softens enamel until saliva helps wash it away. Better Health Channel gives the same timing. The Australian Dental Association also advises waiting before you brush after acid exposure. Ask AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake if you are unsure what timing suits you.
Do I need a new toothbrush after a cold, flu or gastro?
Healthdirect advises not sharing your toothbrush while you have gastroenteritis. Keep brushes apart so bristles do not touch. A live Australian government or ADA page that requires a new brush after every cold or flu was not found for this article. Some people choose a fresh brush after they recover. Ask your dentist at AMK Dental Clinic if that step makes sense for your household.
Who should I call for tooth pain while I am still unwell?
Contact a dentist promptly for tooth pain or facial swelling that needs dental attention — at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525. Healthdirect says to seek emergency medical care if toothache or gum swelling causes problems with breathing or speaking, or swelling around the eye or neck. A GP manages the illness itself; this page does not diagnose dental conditions.
