We’re deep into fall and almost ready for the holiday season to kick into overdrive. That means planning family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas, shopping for the best deals on gifts and watching the weather change from mild to cold. But beyond the holidays, fall brings another season that we’re all a little less jolly about: Flu season.
If you are having issues with the flu, you might not be worried about your teeth and gums, but the flu can negatively affect your oral health. At New Albany Implants, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best preventive care possible. Here are a few tips to practice during during flu season.
Tis The Season
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu every year. That’s a big percentage of the population! Unfortunately, some of us might be part of that number this year. If you come down with the flu, it’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. The flu can be harmful to our mouths because having a stuffy nose, a common symptom, causes us to breathe through our mouths. By breathing through our mouth so often, we reduce the amount of saliva and create dry mouth. Salvia is important in flushing out food debris and bacteria in our mouths. Without proper salvia levels, bacteria can grow and put us at a high risk for cavities. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated if you come down with the flu.
If you’re suffering from the flu and need cough drops of cough medicine, be aware of the sugar content. Common cough drops are packed with sugar that can be harmful to your teeth – much like candy. If you use the cough drops, rinse out your mouth.
Lastly, if fall is also the season when you need to schedule a cleaning or checkup, call us today!
