‘Tis the season of sniffles and coughs, body aches and congestion. It’s officially the time of year when the flu can make for a miserable few days. But it doesn’t have to take its toll on you or your family. Our dental office in McMinnville is here to help you prevent the flu this season with some helpful tips.

Keep Your Hands Clean

This tried and true life lesson is probably one of the best ways to avoid the flu or the common cold. Make sure you wash your hands with warm, soapy water before meals, after using the restroom, or following shaking hands with another person. If soap and water isn’t readily available use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Protect Your Toothbrush

It may sound gross, but your toothbrush can harbor all sorts of germs. That’s why it’s important to take proper care of it. Thoroughly rinse your brush after each use, and make sure you store it in an upright position. Keep family members’ toothbrushes separated from each other to avoid cross contamination. And of course, never share your toothbrush.

Stay Hydrated

A body that’s hydrated it also better at fighting off germs and bacteria since it’s operating optimally. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but during flu season you may consider increasing your intake. Drinking plenty of H20 is not only great for your body, but it’s good for your oral health, too.

Sanitize Your Space

Whether it’s your home or your office, having the areas where you spend the most time clean and sanitary is key to keeping germs away. Pay attention to things that get touched the most — doorknobs, your computer mouse, faucets, and toilets. Germs are invisible to the naked eye, so even if it seems clean it can’t hurt to give it a quick wipe down.

Avoid Touching Your Face

The CDC states that one of the most common ways germs are spread is by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. These body parts have mucus that can easily transport germs into the body and make you sick.

Following this these tips can go a long way in helping you prevent getting knocked down from the flu. However, if you happen to catch the bug, our McMinnville dental office encourages you to use sugar-free medicines to help alleviate your symptoms. Not only will these medications help you feel a bit better, they’re safer for your teeth, too.  

As always, having a healthy mouth can directly impact how healthy you are overall. Make sure you brush and floss every day and maintain visits with your dentist in McMinnville at least every six months.