Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
Contents    |   Next     |   Previous

 Cold & Flu Prevention

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, January 24, 2005

OTHER TIPS TO AVOID VIRUSES:

With the cold and flu season's arrival, many dentists and hygienists offer special advice to their patients, advice which could help reduce the risk of spreading germs. Dr. Linda Niessen has details in this Dental Health Check. 

Cold and flu viruses can spread through physical contact.  So it's important to follow common sense rules about sharing anything that touches any part of the mouth, especially in the bathroom. Viruses live longer in a moist environment. 

Pathologist Dr. Harvey Kessler tells us, "They live in little drops of water. And the water is what carries the virus and makes them infective."

Family toothbrush holders can cause cross contamination. If brushes touch, viruses can spread.

Glenna John is a Dental Hygienist. She says, "There are ways to clean your toothbrush. You can actually put a toothbrush in the dishwasher, just like you do your dishwashing brushes. So that is a good way to clean your toothbrush."

Toothbrushes may be soaked with Listerine to reduce the risk of infection.

You may also spray bathroom countertops and sinks with cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, which kills both viruses and bacteria. "And anti-bacterial soap should be effective against both bacteria and viruses," added Dr. Kessler.

Wash your hands frequently during the cold and flu season with anti-bacterial soap. And, as hygienist Glenna Johns adds, "Don't ever share your toothbrush. Often times, children in particular might be tempted to use one another's toothbrush. And that should be discouraged."

Be extra careful with cups, glasses, and tissues, anything that touches the flu patient's mouth or nose.

And finally, if you catch a cold or the flu, stay home. Don't go to work or school until you are well.  Once you are ill, you play a critical role in preventing the spread of the infection to others. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

Contents    |   Next     |   Previous