How to Protect Your Teeth and Health During Cold and Flu Season

It’s that time of year. Viruses are filling the air looking for a place to land and we don’t want them landing on you or your family. Two of the most important habits that will help you and your loved ones stay healthy during this season are washing your hands frequently and sneezing or coughing into your elbow to prevent spreading germs.

Since toothbrushes are easily contaminated with viruses and bacteria, how we handle them can help us stay well and prevent cross contamination with other family members. The following ideas will help you keep your toothbrushes from being a source of illness: 

• Do not store family toothbrushes together in one cup or holder. A few little viruses on one brush can travel easily to the rest, spreading colds and flu. 
• Clean and disinfect toothbrushes often - one simple way is to rinse them with mouthwash or peroxide.
• Clean storage containers and toothbrush covers regularly. These areas are often forgotten during routine cleaning and can harbor a lot of germs.
• Give each person their own tube of toothpaste or instruct them not to touch their brush directly to the tube when using it.  

And, if you do get sick, you can protect your teeth by:

• Avoiding sugary syrups and cough drops – there are sugar free options available.
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water – this will help you feel better and keep your mouth from drying out and being more susceptible to cavities.

We hope that you and your family stay well during this cold and flu season! 

How to Keep Your Tooth Enamel Strong

Be Gentle With Your Teeth:  We have been brought up to believe the harder we scrub something the cleaner it will be.  This can be a dangerous mindset when it comes to your teeth.  Dr. Dan Hopper recommends brushing gently to protect your teeth and the delicate gums around them.  We also recommend and give our patients soft toothbrushes.  When you brush daily, your teeth will come clean with a gentle touch.

Protect Your Teeth When Swimming in Chlorinated Pools or Water Parks: Have you ever had your eyes burn when swimming in a pool? It means the pool water is too acidic, which can be hazardous for your teeth.  Teach your family to rinse their mouth thoroughly with drinking water after swimming.  When possible, test the PH of the water you will be in.  You can find test strips and guidelines at stores that sell pool supplies.    

Don’t Brush Right after Eating Acidic Foods or Drinking Sodas: New research shows that brushing can push food and soda acids deeper into your teeth.  Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water right after eating or drinking and brush your teeth after 30 minutes have gone by.

Treat Your Acid Reflux: Your teeth get extra blasts of stomach acid when you experience reflux.  Seeking medical help and preventing episodes will go a long way toward protecting your enamel.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Sodas: Sugar is well known for contributing to cavities that attack your tooth enamel and carbonation is highly acidic.  Put the two together and they can wipe out your tooth enamel.  You can protect your teeth by limiting your exposure to both of these substances and rinsing with drinking water after you have them.