Good Oral Hygiene and Flu Prevention

Fight the Flu with Good Oral Hygiene

Recent news has presented some serious considerations about the strength of our immune systems against the most recent strain of flu.

Did you know that your oral health can be a clear indication of the strength of your immune system?

Good Oral Hygiene Can Help Prevent the Flu

In general, the condition of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your overall health and the strength of your immune system.

If your gums are swollen, bleeding and you have difficulty chewing, you have clear signs of gingivitis and a good indication that your immune system is under attack from harmful bacteria.

The best cold and flu prevention begins in the mouth. If you floss after eating and brush your teeth at least twice daily, you are on the road to good oral hygiene. This does not discount the benefits of keeping your hands clean and, simply, the idea of keeping your hands clean is the same concept as keeping your mouth clean.

Allowing food particles to sit in your mouth and get under the gums is offering an open door for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Once this bacterium has entered your blood stream, your body must begin to fight the harmful effects. This activity can tire the immune system and reduce its effective strength to fight off stronger and more serious infections, such as the flu.

Most people only spend about 30 seconds brushing their teeth. Make it part of your daily ritual to brush your teeth at least 2 – 3 minutes at each brushing, making certain to include brushing your tongue. The same holds true when washing your hands. Be thorough and spend time washing under your fingernails and around the wrists.

Fight the Flu with a Visit to Your Dentist

While getting a flu shot is your personal choice, good oral hygiene is an option everyone must practice for overall good health.

Ocean County dentist, Dr. Ron Rotem knows that keeping your oral health in optimum condition can keep your immune system strong and guarded against the attack of harmful bacteria and viral infection.

If you’re considering what to do to prevent the flu, call Ocean County dentist, Dr.Rotem today! If your mouth is not healthy, a flu shot may not be your strongest defense against the flu. Good oral hygiene should be your first step in flu prevention.

Get started today and stay on the road to good overall health through good oral hygiene.