The cold and flu season is upon us. While you’re stocking up on tissues and cough medicine, don’t forget about your family’s dental health. Proper oral care is especially important when everyone is more susceptible to illness. Follow these dental care tips to ensure your family’s smiles remain healthy, even during this gloomy weather.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing should be a regular part of your family’s daily routine, but be extra diligent about them during cold and flu season. Stick to a schedule of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Make sure kids brush for the recommended two minutes. Flossing removes bacteria between teeth that brushing misses. Good oral hygiene keeps germs at bay.
Rinse After Coughing
Coughing and sneezing spread germs, including in the mouth. Rinsing with water or an antibacterial mouthwash helps wash them away. Swishing water or mouthwash helps prevent bacteria from settling on teeth and gums, where it can cause tooth decay or other oral health issues. Rinsing also keeps the mouth moist, which brings relief from coughing.
Load Up On Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the immune system to help ward off colds and flu. It also plays a key role in oral health. It aids collagen production, keeping gums strong and teeth attached. Many citrus fruits are great sources of vitamin C, including bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, and spinach.
Keep Stress In Check
Stress can damage the entire body, including oral health. It diminishes the immune system, making illness more likely. Stress also increases inflammation, raising dental issues like gum disease. When life becomes overwhelming, take some time to unwind. Engage in exercise, enjoy a great book, relax in a bath, or listen to music to help manage stress.
See Your Dentist
Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning is especially important when you’re ill. Your family dentist can identify and address minor issues before they escalate. Cleaning removes plaque that holds germs against your teeth and removes tartar above and below the gum line, which brushing and flossing at home can’t effectively reach. Professional cleaning helps maintain your oral health during cold and flu season.
Follow these tips to protect your family’s beautiful smiles while viruses are spreading. Your family’s teeth can come through cold and flu season with proper care. And if you are looking for a family dentist in Strathroy, you can count on us! The team at Strathroy Family Dentistry wants your family to stay healthy this season. From dental checkups to dental implants in Strathroy, we offer it all! We also provide emergency dental care if an urgent oral health issue arises during the cold and flu season. So, book your appointment today!
