Cold And Flu Season And Oral Health

The cold and flu season has arrived. It’s that time of the year when everyone around you is either coming down with a cold or flu or has already recovered. More often than not, people end up neglecting their oral care routine due to being sick.

Good Oral Hygiene Habits During Cold And Flu Season

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help you fight off illness, but did you know that it can also help prevent illness? Proper brushing and flossing can remove bacteria from your mouth, keeping it clean and making it harder for germs to multiply and cause infection. So make sure you take care of your teeth and practice proper dental hygiene! In the meantime, here are a few more tips to help protect yourself from the flu this season. 

Here are some tips for protecting your oral health when experiencing a cold or the flu:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day. This will help keep your mouth moist and will rinse away any bacteria that has accumulated on your tongue or in your mouth. Staying hydrated will also help keep your mucus membranes from becoming dry, which can reduce discomfort and other symptoms of your cold or flu. It can also help you avoid dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many cold and flu medications.
• Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove debris and plaque from your teeth, which can reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Gum disease has also been linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can enter your body easily this way. Also, be sure to wash your hands often and avoid sharing drinks, utensils, towels, or anything else that comes into contact with your mouth.
• The flu virus thrives in crowded spaces like schools and offices. If possible, you should try to avoid these environments until flu season has passed. If you do have to interact with others during cold and flu season, you should wear a face mask so that you don’t catch any unwanted germs.
• Take steps to protect yourself from getting a cold or the flu. This means getting the flu shot and avoiding contact with people who are sick. You should be especially careful about this if you have children. Children can easily spread illnesses to one another, so they should be watched closely. If you’re a parent and you suspect your child has the flu, take them to the doctor right away to receive treatment.
• Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise. This can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to getting sick.
• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. You should also avoid touching common surfaces in public places that can harbor germs.
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This can flush out your system and help keep you healthy.
• Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen your immune system. 

Call us or schedule an appointment online if you need any tips for maintaining good oral health.