Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits
Tips for Fighting Germs Year-Round
For families,“sick season”can seem never- ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places.You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by
having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system. Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces
germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee A Warning Sign of Gingivitis and Other Dental Issues
While experiencing bleeding gums while brushing or flossing can be a little alarming, it's often your mouth's way of letting you know something is wrong. This common issue can signify various dental or health concerns, so it’s important not to ignore it. Let’s break down what bleeding gums might mean and how you can address it! Why are my gums bleeding? Gingivitis, one of the first stages of gum disease, is the most frequent culprit behind bleeding gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along your gum line and causes inflammation. This can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, damaging the tissues and bones supporting your teeth.
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Medications: Blood thinners and other medications can increase the chance of bleeding gums.
What should you do? Improve your oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss each day to reduce the appearance of plaque and food particles between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can't reach. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash: Using a therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can temporarily reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. Watch your diet: Eating a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake can help improve your gum and overall health. Foods rich in vitamin C and calcium can particularly benefit your gums and teeth. Give us a call: Don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns you may have — including bleeding gums! We are only a phone call away.
Bleeding gums can also result from other factors, including:
• Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque to accumulate and irritate your gum tissue. • Hard brushing: Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing too aggressively can harm delicate gum tissues. • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to bleeding, known as "pregnancy gingivitis." • Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, blood disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can affect your gums.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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