Importance of Oral and Dental Health in Flu Prevention

The Importance of Oral and Dental Health in Protection Against Influenza Dental Plus İstanbul's General Dentist Ayhan Can points out that oral and dental health forms the foundation of protection against influenza, while also addressing several precautions that can be taken during cold weather.

The importance of oral and dental health increases during flu season

Protecting the body against disease is directly proportional to the care given to oral and dental health. Ayhan Can, General Dentist at Dental Plus İstanbul, points out that most microbes causing influenza and common colds enter our bodies through respiration, emphasizing how important oral care is, particularly during cold weather. The precautions you take to protect your oral health actually also help you avoid common colds and influenza.

Be sure to brush your teeth before bed

Occasionally skipping tooth brushing is normal. However, especially during cold weather, it is important to ensure these lapses are kept to a minimum. Regular tooth brushing is vital for protecting against diseases transmitted through respiration. Brushing your teeth before bed in particular is quite important for keeping saliva hygienic and ridding yourself of bacterial residue. Brushing your teeth when you are ill will greatly help you expel the viruses and bacteria you have contracted from your body.

Pay attention to staying hydrated

Dehydration threatens your oral health by leading to numerous problems such as dryness, odor and decay. When you are ill, your immune system causes the body's fluids to be consumed rapidly, making high water consumption important both for your oral health and for overcoming illness with ease.

Choosing the right fluids

Dr. Ayhan Can states, "While trying to ensure vitamin intake, the fluids you consume can jeopardize your oral health. Fruit juices with high sugar content and acidic composition may provide you with vitamins and an energy source during illness, but will damage your tooth enamel." Can emphasizes that to prevent such adverse outcomes, teeth must be brushed after consuming fruit juice.