Cold and flu season is fast approaching. Take time to protect yourself and your dental health.
Dentists and staff are careful to protect themselves and their patients from the spread of disease during visits to the dental office. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have established rules to control the spread of infections in dental offices.
Dental equipment is cleaned and sterilized. Many tools are used only once and thrown away. Dentists and hygienists wear gloves and masks, along with protective eye wear and clothing. Dentists also wash their hands frequently. These are all important steps to prevent the spread of disease.
Help Yourself Stay Healthy
You can also help yourself keep your immune system healthy. Immune systems are a network of cells and organs in our bodies that work together to keep us healthy by fighting off disease. If our immune system is weak, we’re more likely to get sick.
Here are some tips to help keep you healthy during cold and flu season:
- Wash your hands – often. Use soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover your cough or sneeze. This will help minimize the spread of germs to others.
- Exercise regularly to keep your body healthy.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system.
- According to the CDC, a flu vaccination is “the single best way to protect against the flu.”
And don’t forget mom’s chicken soup! A study published in the journal, Chest, found that chicken soup can increase your immunity to colds and flu and help you get well faster. Other healthy foods are fish, fruits and vegetables, especially blueberries and broccoli.
Controlling stress will help boost your immune system too. Read how stress can affect your dental health.
