This time of year can be especially hazardous for many, as it is the start of the period when communicable viruses start to creep into our lives yet again. For the past few years, we have had an additional virus to contend with in COVID-19 and its many variants. While this problem is still here, we are seeing our annual uptick in flu and cold patients, as well.
Being sick can have a serious negative effect on your oral health, as routine maintenance may sometimes feel unimportant. When you feel close to death, it can be difficult to get up and brush your teeth or floss. While we certainly understand that your oral health may not be at the front of your mind, putting forth a little bit of effort can save you time and money in the long run.
Today, your Fort Bliss, TX dentist outlines some of the ways you can best try to avoid feeling miserable this cold and flu season. And if you or your loved ones wind up sick, some of the best ways to help your family to keep their smile as strong and fresh during this miserable time!
Prevention As Medicine
When it comes to healthcare, prevention is almost always the safest and easiest way to keep yourself healthy. After all, avoiding a fight is the easiest way to ensure that you do not lose one. For this reason, your most effective ways of handling the colder months is through effective preventional means.
For the flu, your safest method is usually through receiving an influenza vaccine. This is the easiest way to help you to avoid the pain and discomfort that comes alongside a major sickness. While we tend to view this virus as a common occurrence, it can be deadly. US estimates from the 2018-2019 season show that around 50,000 Americans perished due to this disease and its complications. With COVID and its variants, this number very well might be higher, through multiple infections at the same time.
I’m Sick. Now What?
Hopefully you are keeping to the strict care routines that became well-known at the beginning of the pandemic. Many of them are helpful habits to continue, such as frequent handwashing. Most of us could stand to spend a little more time on our hygiene, and this is a way that only takes seconds. We touch many handrails and elevator buttons while shopping for holiday gifts and decorations. Thorough handwashing can keep those germs from moving from your hands to your mouth and nose, where they take hold.
Taking care during sickness can help you to feel better in the short-term while also strengthening your body. For instance, choosing sugar-free cough drops is a low-stress way to limit tooth decay during this time. Maintaining hydration can also be difficult when ill. But taking this effort can help to stop the development of gum disease, which can make huge advances when ignored.
Stay Safe And Healthy
If you or your family has become sick, it is important to keep up with your oral health. Call the staff at Fort Bliss Family Dentistry in Fort Bliss, TX today at (915)895-3678 for more information on your unique smile, and how to keep it safe!
