CarolinasDentist Blog

How the Common Cold Can Hurt Your Teeth

A box of tissues next to a white mug, glasses, and used tissues by someone with a cold

It’s the season of carrying around pocket tissues… colder temperatures have set in and it seems like nearly everyone has the sniffles. For many of us, the common cold is one of the more annoying winter traditions. Side effects of the common cold are often a cough, sore throat, congestion, and a runny nose. Today at CarolinasDentist, we want to take a closer look at another side effect that is often overlooked: the impact of a cold on your oral health.

A Cold to Cavities

When you have a cold, do you regularly pop a cough drop into your mouth? And what are you drinking? Many of our patients tell us that they reach for a ginger ale, 7UP®, Sprite®, or orange juice when they’re sick. While these drinks and lozenges may feel soothing, their high sugar content sends the bacteria in your mouth into overtime producing acid. This is because sugar is fuel for your bad oral bacteria, which create enamel-damaging and decay-causing acid as they feast. Over time, well-fed bacteria accumulate into plaque and harden into tartar. If left untreated, these substances can lead to serious oral health issues, such as receding gums, tooth decay, sensitive teeth, bad breath, gum infection, tooth loss, and bone loss.

Don’t Forget About Good Oral Care Habits When You’re Sick

When we’re sick with a cold, it can be tempting to just hibernate in bed or languish on the couch. Though we do recommend ample rest, it is critical to keep brushing and flossing your teeth! Even missing one night of brushing can give cavity-causing bacteria a chance to build up and damage your teeth and gums. If this bacteria isn’t brushed, flossed, and washed away, it can also feed upon the mucus dripping down your throat. Therefore, even if you have a cold, do your best to maintain great oral healthcare habits:

  • Brush twice daily for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Floss between your teeth at least once every day.
  • Rinse and gargle with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
  • If you don’t like mouthwash, gargle with 1 teaspoon salt mixed with 1 cup warm water to ease your sore throat.
  • Eat nutritious foods that are easy on your throat (like soup, yogurt, and smoothies).
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Only use sugar-free throat lozenges.
  • Go screen-free! Read a good book instead of binge-watching a TV show.
  • Switch out your toothbrush once you’ve recovered.

More Questions? Ask Us!

To ask our team any questions about how to prevent common oral health problems when you have a cold or how to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine, contact us today.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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