September marks the start of cold season for many households, with new Boots data showing purchases of cough and cold remedies rise by 72% in September compared with August.
But while most people are focused on easing a sore throat, cough or blocked nose, some common cold-season habits can have an unintended effect on teeth.
Sugary cough sweets and syrups can expose teeth to sugar repeatedly when they are used throughout the day, while congestion can lead to more mouth breathing and a dry mouth.
The NHS notes that breathing through the mouth at night because of a blocked nose can contribute to dry mouth, and that people with dry mouth are more likely to develop tooth decay.
Dr Jyothi Chintamani from dental training course provider Dental Arch explains the simple things people can do to look after their teeth while recovering from a cold.
Check whether your cough sweets contain sugar
"When people have a cold, they can end up reaching for cough sweets or syrup several times throughout the day without really thinking about what that means for their teeth."
"The concern is not taking a cough remedy when you need one. It is the frequency. If you are slowly sucking a sugary lozenge every hour, your teeth are being exposed to sugar repeatedly across the day."
Where appropriate, checking for a sugar-free alternative can help reduce that exposure. The NHS also recommends sugar-free sweets or chewing gum as options for people experiencing dry mouth.
"If there is a suitable sugar-free version of the lozenge you normally use, it can be an easy swap, particularly if you are taking them regularly."
"You are still getting the soothing effect without adding repeated sugar exposure at the same time."
People should still follow the instructions on any medication and speak to a pharmacist if they are unsure whether an alternative is suitable.
Keep water nearby if your nose is blocked
Congestion can mean people breathe through their mouth more than usual, particularly at night.
This can leave the mouth feeling noticeably drier because less saliva is coating the teeth and soft tissues. Saliva helps protect the mouth, so persistent dryness is something worth paying attention to.
"If you are waking up with a very dry mouth because you are congested, keeping water by the bed is an easy solution."
"Take regular sips rather than reaching for a sugary drink or sweet every time your mouth feels dry. It will not treat the cold, but it can make the dryness much more manageable."
Watch what you are drinking too
Cough sweets and syrups are not the only source of extra sugar when people are unwell.
Tea with honey, sweetened lemon drinks and flavoured hot drinks can all become part of the cold-weather routine, particularly when someone has a sore throat.
"Sipping a sweet drink continuously over a long period can have a negative impact on your teeth."
"If you already have cough sweets on the go and you're also slowly drinking something sweet for several hours, that can create a lot of repeated sugar exposure without you really noticing."
Keeping plain water alongside hot drinks can help break that pattern.
Keep brushing, even when you feel rough
Normal routines often slip when people are tired or feeling unwell, but brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste remains important.
"When you are ill, getting out of bed to brush your teeth can feel like a chore, but it is worth keeping up."
"If you are using cough sweets, syrups or sweetened drinks more often than usual, your teeth may be exposed to sugar more frequently throughout the day. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and leaves fluoride on the teeth, which helps protect the enamel against acid attacks."
"It is especially important before bed, because saliva flow naturally drops overnight, so the mouth has less protection while you sleep."
The simplest cold-season approach is to check labels, use sugar-free alternatives where suitable, keep water nearby and avoid letting sugary sweets or drinks sit in the mouth repeatedly throughout the day.