Why You Should Throw Your Toothbrush Away

The holidays are upon us! It’s one of my favorite times of the year. But unfortunately, if you are like many people, this time of year is loaded with all the nasty germs that can ruin your holiday fun. What you probably may not realize is that your oral hygiene often plays a factor in how often (and how long) you stay sick.

So to help you get through this holiday season with as few coughs and sneezes as possible, here are some helpful tips for surviving the cold and flu season.

Tip #1: Ditch the toothbrush

Your toothbrush is probably the last thing on your mind when you get sick. But the truth is that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Once you start feeling better, you’re best to toss it in the trash to avoid getting reinfected with the illness.

Tip #2: Eat your fruits & veggies

I know, Mom was right. Eating your fruits and veggies isn’t just a smart choice from a caloric standpoint, they are full of helpful vitamins and nutrients. The bonus is that foods such as apples and carrots also help keep your mouth clean by rubbing against your teeth while chewing. It’s win-win.

Tip #3: Use salt water as mouth rinse

While you may love your Colgate mouthwash, rinsing and gargling with salt water helps remove that nasty bacteria and help prevent bad breath which could ruin your up-and-close conversations during the holiday season.

Tip #4: Up your fluid intake

I can’t stress drinking water enough. When trying to prevent the cold and flu from taking root in your body, It is super important to keep your fluid levels up. Drinking water helps with hydration and saliva production. This will in turn help keep bacteria at bay and fight off illnesses that may take hold faster.

Tip #5: Avoid sugary medicines

I personally love cough drops, but sadly I have to watch how often I rely on them. Sugary medications can cause tooth decay and further increase the number of places those icky germs can hide out and breed in.

Tip #6: Don’t skip brushing

While you should be brushing and flossing two times a day anyway, it’s especially important during cold and flu season. Proper routine care helps keep bacteria in check and reduces the risk of tooth decay, which we already know can create a hotbed of illnesses.

Hopefully you won’t need to use the tips above (because nobody has time to be sick!). But if for some reason you find yourself with a persistent pain in your mouth or prolonged bad breath (even after you’re feeling better), give your dentist a call.