A Germ-Free Toothbrush

The runny nose, dry cough, body aches and the headache can mean only one thing: flu season has arrived.

You got your flu shot, but it doesn't protect you from every type of flu known to humans, so there you are, in misery. You may not feel like crawling out of bed, but it's important to maintain your oral care routine while you are sick.

Oral bacteria don't take a vacation while you have the flu. Your gums can become infected and progress into periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.

So, drag yourself into the bathroom, grab that toothbrush and…oh, there's more to this story now that I mentioned your toothbrush.

You may think you are thoroughly cleaning your toothbrush after each use, but the flu virus remains hidden in the bristles. Whatever gremlins lurk in your toothbrush will return to your mouth, adding to your already miserable state.

If you store your toothbrush holder on the countertop, germs from your brush will be deposited on other toothbrushes because water spatters when you rinse your brush. Now, you have successfully shared your flu with everyone.

Before you are in the clutches of the flu bug, buy a new toothbrush for yourself and anyone else who shares the toothbrush holder with you. Don't wait and drag the flu to the store with you.

Then, when the flu has run its course, buy another round of toothbrushes and get rid of the "old" ones; otherwise, you will reinfect yourself and anyone else.

Once you're in the pink, come in for an exam so we can make sure you didn't develop an oral condition while you were sick. It's better for your overall health when we can catch a condition while it's in its early stage and help you maintain your healthy smile!

New Flossers Make Flossing Easy

The Golden Years are advertised as a time when life mellows. You can enjoy activities that weren't possible while you were busy with family and work. However, you may not have planned on some tarnish accompanying your Golden Years. Your eyesight might diminish, and you could lose dexterity. While annoying at the least, those two functions are very important when you clean between your teeth(interdental cleaning).

If you can't see as well as you did when you were 39, or you have arthritis in your hands, for example, your inability to maneuver floss effectively puts your teeth and gums at risk. When done correctly, cleaning between your teeth helps protect you from decay-causing bacteria, gum disease and even heart disease and stroke.

Manufacturers have many specially designed interdental cleaning and flossing aids to suit your needs.

Look for special interdental cleaners that—

• have handles with angled necks designed for hands challenged by ability.
• have flosser heads in different sizes and shapes that fit into tight spaces.
• have flosser heads that gently vibrate.
• have soft bristles.
• easily clean around bridges, implants and other dental appliances.
• use a small reservoir for water or mouthrinse and is small enough to fit into your pocket or handbag.

CLICK HERE to view our selection of flossing aids

Your Sports Drink may be Damaging Your Teeth

If you are physically active, you might rehydrate with a sports drink, but watch out. That brightly colored liquid may be refreshing, but it can make you vulnerable to dental erosion (demineralization). Those popular sports and energy drinks are eleven times more damaging to your teeth than soda!

Demineralization occurs when acids in fluids pull minerals out of a tooth's enamel. Enamel is an extremely hard substance that protects your teeth from decay-causing bacteria. Enamel is built only when you were a child while your teeth were forming. Once enamel is weakened or completely destroyed, it is gone forever.

Saliva is your number one guardian against acids that cause tooth decay. You may also breathe hard through your mouth when you exercise, which dries up your saliva.

Get your teeth across the finish line with these recommendations:

1. Drink low- or non-acid beverages. Rehydrate with water; science says it's all you need!
2. Do not swish the beverage around in your mouth; swallow it immediately.
3. Avoid frequent sipping because it constantly bathes your teeth in acid.
4. To stimulate saliva flow, chew gum and use mints or lozenges made with xylitol.
5. Brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste that contains a remineralization ingredient, and use a fluoride plus remineralization mouthrinse.
6. Have regular professional cleanings.

Take the lead; call and schedule an appointment with your dentist. We can check for signs of dental erosion, review your homecare routine and apply fluoride to keep your teeth in winning condition.