Achoo! Cold and flu season has made its dreaded debut. Did you get your flu shot? If not, it’s recommended that you get it ASAP. No need to make a doctor appointment though because you can get it at your local pharmacy. And FYI, it’s a big myth that the vaccine will give you the flu. It will only help protect you from experiencing the most severe (sometimes life-threatening) symptoms and complications of the actual flu.
Getting sick is miserable for everyone. People tend to slack on their oral hygiene when they’re sick. The last thing you might feel like doing is rolling out of bed to brush your teeth, but did you know that having a clean mouth might help you feel a little better? Your mouth is a dark and moist environment, making it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. When you’re sick, your mouth becomes a reservoir for bacteria from fluids like mucus and vomit. Gross!
Keeping it Clean
The CDC says that the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours.Going to get some Clorox wipes, brb! The flu is no joke, and your biggest defense is prevention, which starts with good hygiene habits.
Here are some tips for preventing the spreading of germs.
Cover your mouth: This goes for coughing and sneezing. You don’t even want to know how far saliva particles can travel once airborne.
Hands off your face: Your face is home to major entryways (eyes, mouth, and nose) for germs that can cause a variety of illnesses. This goes for nail-biting too!
Wash your hands: Hand-washing is possibly your best line of defense. A great tip is to always wash your hands when you get home, especially when you’ve been to public places like the grocery store.
Wipe it down: Wipe down everything – counters, toilets, knobs, light switches, shopping carts, etc. The more people who come into contact with an object, the more germs
When Sickness Strikes
Sometimes it’s inevitable, and you get sick! Taking all necessary precautions to stay healthy doesn’t always prevent illnesses like the common cold and flu. As previously mentioned, your mouth plays a large role in spreading and receiving germs. All the more reason to keep it clean. That means continuing with your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.
Here are some ways to care for your mouth when sick.
Don’t share: While sharing is caring, sharing germs is not so nice. Whatever you do, don’t ever share your toothbrush. That’s private property! Also, be careful with sharing drinks and food.
Eat healthy: Fueling your body with healthy foods will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight off illness and keep your mouth clean.
Gargle and rinse: To rid your mouth of the bad bacteria from being sick, you can gargle and rinse with either salt water or mouthwash.
Keep hydrated: Hydration is key when you’re under the weather. Water is you best friend, but if you want something flavored, opt for beverages low in sugar. Stay away from acidic and sugary drinks like soda!
Mind your meds: Keep in mind that some medicines, particularly antihistamines and decongestants, can cause dry mouth. Always abide by your medication directions but drink some extra water if you feel parched.
Swish and spit: Vomiting leaves an awful aftertaste. Unfortunately, brushing immediately after tossing your cookies isn’t good for your teeth. Stomach acid resides in the mouth and can harm the enamel if you brush too soon. Wait about 30 minutes.
Watch the sugar: Cough drops, cough syrup, and electrolyte replacement drinks all contain high levels of sugar. If available, choose reduced sugar or sugarless options.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health and illness, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.