Flu and Hygiene
By Dr. Linda Niessen -- Baylor College of Dentistry STORY: Flu & Hygiene SCRIPT # 532 SHOOT: 10/8/03 AIRDATE: Monday, Nov. 17, 2003
Monday, November 17, 2003
![[Image]](../Images/Flu1a.jpg)
With the cold and flu season's arrival, many dentists offer special advice to their patients, advice which could help reduce the risk of spreading germs. For details, here's Dr. Linda Niessen with 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.
During the flu season, Dr. Jeff Williams of Allen Dental Center reminds his patients about the importance of infection control.
![[Image]](../Images/Flu5a.jpg)
"Obviously don't share toothbrushes," said Dr. Williams. "And after the kids brush their teeth, don't put the toothbrushes back in the same receptacle. After somebody brushes their teeth, they've got blood, bacteria, saliva still on the toothbrush, studies show, even after they rinse it with tap water." Family toothbrush holders can cause cross contamination. If brushes touch, viruses can spread.
"And the kids if they are rinsing with a cup after they brush their teeth, they need a separate cup. Obviously that goes for adults also."
Talk to your children about the dangers of sharing toothbrushes. Each child should have a different color to avoid confusion. "Then the kids will know which one is theirs," added Dr. Williams.
![[Image]](../Images/Flu8ajpg.jpg)
Toothbrushes may be soaked with Listerine to reduce the risk of infection. You may also spray bathroom![[Image]](../Images/Flu10a.jpg)
countertops and sinks with cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, which kills both viruses and bacteria. But 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 one final tip, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands. Hands can spread a virus as easily as a cough or sneeze. For Baylor College of Dentistry, The Texas A & M Health Science Center in Dallas, 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.
