The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can leave you feeling miserable. While the most common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, the flu can also affect your oral health.
The Link Between the Flu and Oral Health
When you have the flu, your body is working hard to fight off the virus. This can lead to dehydration, decreased saliva production, and a weakened immune system. These factors can increase your risk of developing oral health problems, such as:
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Dry mouth: Saliva plays a vital role in protecting your teeth from decay and keeping your mouth healthy. When you are dehydrated, you produce less saliva, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth can make it more difficult to swallow and speak, and it can also increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
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Canker sores: Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can develop in your mouth. They are more common when you are stressed or have a weakened immune system, both of which can occur with the flu.
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Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Protecting Your Teeth During the Flu
While you can't completely prevent oral health problems when you have the flu, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or clear broth. This will help to keep your mouth moist and prevent dry mouth.
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Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, which can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.
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Use a fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride can help to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay. You can use a fluoride mouthwash once or twice a day.
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See your dentist: If you have any concerns about your oral health, or if you develop any new oral health problems, be sure to see your dentist. They can assess your oral health and recommend the best course of treatment.
Prevention Dentistry: Your Best Defense
The best way to protect your teeth from the flu is to prevent getting the flu in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing the flu:
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Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu every year.
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Wash your hands often: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.
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Avoid close contact with sick people: If you know someone who has the flu, try to avoid close contact with them.
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Stay home if you are sick: If you have the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your teeth and your overall health during flu season.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123; (971) 708-1608; centurydentalllc.com; 12/4/2024; Associated Words: Dentist Hillsboro OR
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can leave you feeling miserable. While the most common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, the flu can also affect your oral health.