Gum disease can happen before you even notice, so it’s important to think about your…
3 Ways Taking Care of Your Oral Health Stops Illnesses
Flu season is upon us, which means a higher rate of illnesses. According to the CDC, the last few months of the year are considered “flu season.” This could mean a variety of things for you this year – some years there are new strains of the flu that come around causing serious illnesses and sometimes even fatalities. One cannot predict exactly what is going to happen. In order to stay healthy, consider these three simple oral health tips to keep you healthy this year.
New Toothbrush
Start off the season with a new toothbrush. This will give you a clean slate to start with, so to speak. In addition, always make sure to switch out your old toothbrush if you have experienced any type of illness, whether the common cold or full-blown influenza. Some people tend to run their toothbrush through the dishwasher to eliminate the germs – this may get rid of some germs, but it is best to get a new one each time.
Stay Away from your Mouth
It is so easy to put your fingers, pens, and other objects in your mouth when you are fidgeting, especially if you have a nervous habit. This might help to soothe you, but it could be making you sick at the same time. Try to keep everything away from your mouth, reserving your mouth for talking, smiling, and eating alone. If you have to have a nervous habit, try to find another way to fidget that does not put thousands of germs in your mouth at any given time, increasing your risk of serious illness.
Get Dental Checkups
If it has been a while since you have seen us or you are due for your six month checkup during the winter months – keep it! That appointment could help you fight off other illnesses. If we notice that you have an infection or even tooth decay in your mouth, we can fix the situation right away. If you let infections or decay go, your immune system is affected, which means you are at higher risk for serious illnesses during a time that the flu runs so rampant.
This year, make it your goal to stay nice and healthy in the winter months. The care starts with your mouth, so do what you can to ensure that you are as healthy as possible. The stronger your immune system is, the easier it is to stay healthy this winter.
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Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.