Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Flu and Cold Germs

By Web Communications
Baylor College of Dentistry
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
STORY:  FLU & COLD GERMS
SCRIPT # 704  SHOOT: 10/8/06
AIRDATE:  Monday, Nov. 20, 2006
DHC MASTER #20  Timecode: 37:30

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. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today's 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 says, “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.

"There are ways to clean your toothbrush," says Dental Hygienist Glenna Johns. "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.”

Talk to your children about sharing tooth brushes. Each child should have a different color to avoid confusion.

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.

Dr. Kessler added, “And anti-bacterial soap should be effective against both bacteria and viruses."

Wash your hands frequently during the cold and flu season with anti-bacterial soap. And, adds Glenna Johns, “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."

And if the flu invades your house, 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.

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