Dental Tips to Know for Flu Season!

When the colder season arrives, that typically means two things: people celebrating the holidays and increased awareness around flu season. While you may think that the flu vaccine is enough protection, you may want to think again. While the flu vaccine is proven to reduce your risk of the flu, it does not guarantee that you won’t get sick. This is particularly true for the H3N2 flu strain, which was shown to only carry a 33 percent effectiveness rate during seasons the strain was present. Even more common strains like influenzas B and H1N1 only carry a 54 percent and 67 percent effectiveness rate respectively.

That means you’ll still need to remain diligent in the event that you get sick. This also applies when we talk about oral hygiene, which has shown to improve your body’s immune system. With so many people getting sick in recent years, it’s imperative that you’re doing everything you can to protect your oral and overall health.

How Can I Prevent the Flu?

Once you receive your flu vaccination, start examining the areas you frequent often, such as your home and workplace. Take note of surfaces you touch on a regular basis. Are these surfaces clean? If not, take the time to wash your hands after touching them. If you live with someone who has the flu or your coworker is sneezing and coughing often, make sure to keep at least three feet away from them to reduce your germ exposure.

It’s also important to avoid touching your face, especially around the mucosal membranes like the eyes, nose and mouth. The flu virus can easily travel between these areas, so use a tissue to touch these areas instead. Keep hand sanitizer around your home and on your desk to use liberally throughout the day.

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What If I Currently Have the Flu?

It’s easy to let dental care be forgotten if you’re sick, but letting your oral health worsen will only make it more difficult for you to get better. An unhealthy mouth means a weaker immune system overall, so brushing and flossing can make a big difference as you recover. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes at a time and floss at least once a day to remove food debris and plaque from the sides of teeth. Always use fluoridated toothpaste.

If you’re using cough drops for relief, make sure they are sugar-free. Many varieties contain a high amount of sugar and only increase your risk of plaque production, which inevitably leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Sugar also causes dry mouth, which creates a more viable environment for bacteria to develop.

Hydration is key any time you’re sick, but it’s also crucial for oral health. Make an effort to increase your fluid intake throughout the day not just to aid your body, but to keep saliva production high and wash away loose plaque and food from teeth and gums.

What Should I Do After Recovering?

Once you finally recover from the flu, toss the toothbrush you were using while you were sick. While you can’t get the same flu virus twice, the virus can easily mutate and cling to moist oral products like toothbrushes. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so toss your toothbrush once you start to feel better. Additionally, you’ll prevent other people living with you from getting sick if they keep their oral care products in the same bathroom.

Just because it’s flu season doesn’t mean you have to let your oral health suffer in the process. To make sure your mouth is healthy by the new year, remember to schedule a routine exam and cleaning with the dentist at Center One Dental, Dr. Raj. Him and his team will do everything they can to ensure your fall and winter season is a comfortable one!

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