Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Teeth During Flu Season

Flu season is a menace, and it’s not always easy to safeguard you and your little one from catching a nasty cold or bug. But did you know that by practicing and encouraging excellent oral hygiene, you can  greatly protect your child from the flu? Given how interconnected your oral and overall health are, it makes sense that a clean mouth can help to protect the rest of you from the likes of illnesses! Here are some tips from your dentist in Duncanville that are sure to keep your child’s smile healthy and happy as we enter the colder winter months.

Tip #1. Replace Their Toothbrush

You should replace your own toothbrush as well as your child’s every 3 to 4 months but changing it more frequently during flu season is also advisable. If your child becomes sick, bacteria can actually remain lingering on their brush for quite some time, even after they’ve recovered! If necessary, you can boil your child’s toothbrush in hot water to sanitize it before use—but replacing it will also ensure the integrity of the bristles, in addition to it being clean.

Tip #2. Help Them Stay Hydrated

Did you know that water is the absolute best beverage for your teeth and gums? Being properly hydrated ensures that your mouth is producing enough saliva—and your saliva is actually your first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Rather than letting your child enjoy sugary sodas and juices, which can also wreak havoc on their enamel, you should encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sending them to school with a refillable water bottle is one great way of doing this!

Tip #3. Gargle with Salt Water

There are several benefits to gargling with salt water; the mixture kills germs in the throat and mouth, and it also encourages healing! If your child already has a sore throat due to their illness, having them gargle with a mixture of 8oz of water and ½ tsp of salt can greatly benefit their oral health and help them to feel much better.

Tip #4. Encourage Excellent Oral Hygiene

One of the best things you can do to protect your child’s smile, whether it’s flu season or not, is to encourage and enforce adequate oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily will simply reduce the number of harmful bacteria present in your child’s mouth, which can provide protection from many cold and flu-type illnesses. If your child does get sick and has difficulty keeping their mouth clean, you can help them out by encouraging them to rinse their mouth more frequently—but ensure that they continue to brush twice a day.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of catching a cold or flu, encouraging and helping your child to keep a clean mouth will go a very long way towards protecting them this flu season. That said, it’ll also ensure that their teeth look healthy and white for the foreseeable future!

About the Practice

The team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Duncanville community for several years. They’re pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you need to schedule an appointment for you or your child, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (972) 331-8100.