Yikes! You know that in addition to feeling excited about the holiday season, the cooler weather means something much less enchanting is upon us: It’s cold and flu season! Nobody wants to talk about it but, of course, most of our friends and neighbors in our Ankeny, IA community are stocking up on extra tissue, chicken soup, and the usual necessities just in case. While you may be pretty good at nursing yourself back to health, we wonder: Do you know how to keep your smile care heading in the right direction, when your health is not in the best condition? Consider some smile tips just in case!
Tip: Keep Brushing And Flossing!
Unfortunately, when you’re feeling really terrible due to a cold or the flu, one of the first things you feel comfortable avoiding is your dental hygiene! Trust us when we say, we completely empathize with the fact that when you’re lucky you can even get yourself out of bed, focusing on brushing and flossing can feel extremely difficult. However, we advise you to do your absolute best with accomplishing what you can with your twice-a-day brushing and once-a-day flossing (so you can avoid oral health problems down the line!).
Tip: Don’t Underestimate Rinsing
Feeling so under the weather that our aforementioned rosy goal of keeping up with your dental hygiene just isn’t going to fly? We remind you: Do not underestimate the extraordinary power of rinsing with water, whether you’re on top of smile care details or not. When you flush your mouth with water, you blast bacteria, debris, and food particles from resting places, which is very beneficial! It also helps you reduce acid levels.
Tip: Keep Your Tea Simple
One of the things that you may want when you’re not feeling well is tea! It’s warm, it’s usually going to be more attractive than coffee, and it’s standard when you’re dealing with a cold! While you may feel tempted to load it up with sugar, lemon, etc., be careful: These are the additions that will undo your efforts in smile care by creating an acidic environment that promotes cavities.
Try to drink it plain (or remember to rinse with water afterwards!).
Tip: Use A New Brush When You’re All Better
Once you’re back in action, throw out the toothbrush you were using. Start over. You don’t want to get sick again from any remaining germs!
Guide Your Smile Safely Through Flu Season
Keep up with our suggestions for your usual daily dental care and remember to also consider some additional recommendations that we are happy to share with you about maintaining your oral health when sick! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
