TAKING CARE OF YOUR DENTAL HEALTH DURING COLD & FLU SEASON

Fall is coming to an end and winter is about to take over, are you prepared for what awaits you this December? Also known as the cold and flu season, winter has the tendency to increase the number of people getting the flu. 
 

However, you can lessen the chances of acquiring this common winter bug by maintaining good oral/dental health, as it actually has more benefits than what people may normally know, such as a great smile and whiter teeth.  

Taking care of your teeth or dental health actually means improving the chances of not getting afflicted with cough and colds. You can free yourself from the clutches of bad germs by following these simple and straightforward steps you will find below regarding proper toothbrush care. Why the toothbrush you ask?

The purpose of the toothbrush is to remove food particles and plaque from the teeth, so they are prone to become contaminated with saliva, blood, and bacteria that is inside the mouth. This is why it has been common practice for dentists, to inform patients about preventive dental care, which include proper toothbrush care.
•                Make sure your toothbrush is regularly replaced to avoid proliferation of bacteria in the bristles. A toothbrush that has been around for quite some time is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Food particles can get left behind with accompanying microorganisms.
•                Replace yours at least every three to four months to prevent or reduce the spread of germs. Some people hesitate to throw out their old brushes because they appear relatively new and clean, but when placed under a microscope, you will see that these dental cleaning tools are home to millions of microorganisms, especially when used for too long.
•                Sick with the flu? Replace your toothbrush. This might come as a surprise to some, but keeping a toothbrush that you used while you were trying to get through a cold may cause a reinfection. Even if your body has recovered, the virus can still be thriving in your brush and make its way back into your mouth.
•                Place your toothbrush in a clean container. Before storing, make sure your toothbrush does not have remaining particles or residue that got there as a result of cleaning. Either place it under the faucet, or rinse it with hot water. Store it in an upright position so excess water can flow down to the bottom, and not accumulate in the bristles. If multiple brushes are stored in one holder, ensure that they do not contact each other.
•                In addition, if you have a habit of covering your toothbrush or storing it in a closed container, know that such can cause more bacteria to breed than when exposed to open air.
•                If you feel the need to soak your toothbrush in disinfectant or mouthwash, make sure you use a new solution each time and not to be shared by multiple users.
•                Do not share your toothbrush with anyone, not even your best friend or significant other, unless you want to risk getting infected with whatever oral condition or problem that they have. The exchange of oral fluids by using ones toothbrush puts you at an increased risk for infections, especially when you’re sharing with someone who has a compromised immune system or has an infectious disease.
Lastly, consult our trusted dentists for professional advice on preventive dental care. Call us today, we would be happy to help you! 905-934-0235