Flu Prevention Tips

The bad news? Cold and flu season is here. The good news? By instilling some good health habits, you and your family can help stop the spread of germs!

While the flu can affect anyone, it tends to hit the very young and the very old the hardest. For those with little ones or grandparents in the home, here’s how you can take action to fight the flu this season:

Wash your hands -- thoroughly! While this seems obvious, a quick rinse isn’t going to kill germs. To completely rid a virus from your skin, you must wash your hands in warm water with soap for 20 seconds or more. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands and between your fingers well -- try singing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice to meet the required length of time.

Avoid close contact. Try to keep your distance from others that may be sick. If you do come in close contact, be sure to wash your hands and avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, as this is an easy way to spread unwanted germs.

Keep a healthy lifestyle. The healthier you are, the better your body is at defending the cold or flu! Be sure your family gets enough sleep, eats plenty of nutritious foods, and drinks lots of fluids!

Practice proper oral heath habits. Before and after brushing, be sure to wash your hands to prevent bacteria from entering your mouth. Also, never share your toothbrush with other family members and store all brushes separately to prevent airborne bacteria hoping from one brush to the next!

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health, give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook for updates and industry news!

Tooth Tips to Fight the Flu

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While flu season can begin as early as October, continuing well into May - now is commonly its peak time. To help in being proactive in fending off the flu, we wanted to share some tooth tips on how your family can fight the flu this year:

• Store toothbrushes upright and away from the toilet. Find a dry, open space where your toothbrush can breathe, aka not near a toilet or sink! If it’s left on the sink, dirty soapy water can find its way onto it. If it’s nearby a toilet, each time it’s flushed bacteria can become airborne and latch onto the brush - gross!
• Remember the three month rule! Toothbrushes should be tossed and replaced every three months. Old bristles hold on to bacteria and aren’t as effective in cleaning teeth. You may also choose to replace it sooner - after a cold or flu has run its course.
• Brush and floss regularly. Allowing food particles to sit in the mouth can open the door for harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Now, your body will work on ridding itself of this bacteria which can tire the immune system, thus reducing its strength to fight off more serious infections such as the flu.
• No toothbrush sharing! No matter how close you are with your spouse or child, germs and illnesses can easily be transferred from toothbrush sharing. This also means keeping all brushes separated in their holders to prevent bristles from touching.

Proper oral health habits are important year round, but during cold and flu season the prove even more vital. Share this post to help others fight the flu this season!

 

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. 

 

Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news! 

Stop the Spread of the Flu This Season

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Just last month, more than 100 students were kept out of the Levittown school district with the flu (or flu like symptoms). And according to the below News 12 report earlier this week - experts say this just may be the beginning. 

News 12

As the flu bug continues to ramp up on LI, we have some tips to help protect you and your kids this season:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched at home, work, or school - especially when someone is ill
• Store your toothbrush in a place where it can dry without touching other brushes - this prevents airborne bacteria from hoping from one brush to the next
• Also, get a new brush at the start of an illness and replace it after the cold or flu has run its course

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!