With the flu season, there come many questions about maintaining our oral health. As a prevalent illness in America, many people experience symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, baby aches, fatigue, and headaches. Since flu is highly contagious, you need to ensure that its spread is limited by implementing the necessary safety precautions. Frequently washing your hands and sanitizing your home are some of the measures to take. Besides, you want to discard certain personal care items, including your toothbrush.
Reasons to Get a New Brush
You have perhaps heard a dentist say that you have to swap out the toothbrush you use after every three months. The reason is that a toothbrush can create a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses faster if you are ill. It is for the same reason that you should avoid storing your toothbrush in a drawer and other areas where it is likely to come in contact with someone else's toothbrush. Use a standard toothbrush holder to store your toothbrush. The holder allows the brush to dry undisturbed.
When it comes to changing your toothbrush after having the flu, there is often a misconception. Many people think that using the toothbrush they had before can make them get re-infected or experience the illness again after. However, this is not true. After you have been exposed to flu, the body creates antibodies to help fight off the condition. Therefore, it is unlikely that you can get flu again soon after it has gone off. Although your toothbrush may be contaminated, it cannot make you become sick with the flu.
While you may not develop flu again, using a toothbrush that is contaminated with bacteria can make you get an infection. When you have flu, the body is more vulnerable to all kinds of illnesses. Therefore, continuing to use a brush that you had before makes you more likely to transfer bacteria from the mouth to the bristles and vice versa. As such, you are advised to swap out the toothbrush after any oral illness whether bacteria or virus-caused. This way, you are on the safe side and prevent getting sick. Talk to us about changing your toothbrush after having flu. Call us today.
Dental Implants San Antonio, TX - About Us - Joshua Austin, DDS At Joshua Austin, DDS, our focus is your dental health and well-being. We want to provide the best dental care possible along with the best service. Call us today! Joshua Austin, DDS, 4553 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 1211, San Antonio, TX 78249 • (210) 408-7999 • joshuaaustindds.com • 12/5/2022 • Associated Words: dental implants San Antonio •
With the flu season, there come many questions about maintaining our oral health. As a prevalent illness in America, many people experience symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, baby aches, fatigue, and headaches. Since flu is highly contagious, you need to ensure that its spread is limited by implementing the necessary safety precautions. Frequently washing your hands and sanitizing your home are some of the measures to take. Besides, you want to discard certain personal care items, including your toothbrush.