When the cold and flu season hits, it’s not just your body that needs extra care. Research shows your oral health can impact your immune system, so keeping your smile healthy during cold and flu season may help you avoid getting sick this year [1].
How can you best care for your teeth and gums during this vulnerable time? Follow the below tips to keep your smile healthy and protect your body from sickness!
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean helps reduce plaque and bacteria in the oral cavity, which may make it less likely that you’ll get sick. The oral cavity leads to the lungs, and bacteria in the mouth have the potential to affect lung function and respiratory illnesses [2].
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily, as it helps remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, preventing bad breath and reducing inflammation.
By continuing to practice good oral hygiene habits, you can prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that can lead to dental problems—and potentially impact your immunity.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to staying healthy. But did you know drinking water also significantly impacts your oral health?
By staying hydrated, you can:
- Reduce plaque and bacteria in the oral cavity
- Prevent dry mouth and bad breath
- Help wash away food particles
- Stop enamel erosion and reduce your risk of cavities
Water is also crucial for your immune system, so don’t overlook the importance of staying hydrated during cold and flu season [3]!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are essential, especially during cold and flu season. Your dentist can detect early signs of dental problems and offer treatment before they worsen and have a chance to impact both your oral health and immune system.
Additionally, a professional teeth cleaning can remove any buildup of plaque or tartar that can cause cavities and gum inflammation, helping to keep both your smile and body healthy.
Replace Your Toothbrush
If you do get sick this time of year, don’t forget that your toothbrush can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush as soon as you start feeling better or at least every three to four months [4]. This can help keep your smile healthy, protect your gums from frayed bristles, and prevent you from getting sick again.
Have a Healthy Smile This Winter
Caring for your smile during cold and flu season is essential to maintaining good oral health and protecting your body from illness. By following the above tips, you can give yourself your best chance to stay healthy this winter and keep smiling!
Sources:
1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdmed.2022.1106456/full
2. https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-023-02491-6
3.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352233521_Effect_of_water_consumption_
over_the_immune_system_response_given_during_Covid-19
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/brushing-your-teeth#
