The Gift You DON’T Want

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The Gift You DON’T Want
The Gift You DON’T Want

The Common Cold!

It’s the most, wonderful time, of the year! With the bright and shining lights of the Christmas trees, to the shiny wrapping paper that sits just below, the holidays can be such a beautiful time spent with family and close friends. But, being close can lead to other things that aren’t so joyous; that includes the common cold!From the constant unpredictability of the north, the weather can go from hot to cold in a matter of days. The shock in temperature can affect our bodies in different ways, but did you know; the common cold, didn’t actually get its name from the cold weather? Rather, the implications of indoor festivities that have us dwelling in the sneeze covered counters or handshakes from Aunt Mary or cousin George. The act of staying indoors, in close proximities to those infected due to the cold is likely the cause of the common cold and along with it, those unpleasant symptoms that keep us under those sheets. Not only can the common cold affect your mind and body, but it can also attribute to other oral symptoms that are just as unpleasant. Have you ever experienced tooth pain when you were sick? This is not uncommon as the largest sinus cavity in your face is located above your upper jaw. When you have a sinus infection, the buildup of fluids in that cavity can cause pressure on the roots of your teeth. Although this may be the case, it is always recommended to visit your dentist to confirm there isn’t an underlying issue causing the toothache.When your nose is all stuffy, it makes it extremely hard to breath, so you tend to breath through your mouth. This can cause dry mouth. Since your saliva has a key role in fighting tooth decay by washing bacteria that causes plaque, staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids is important when you are feeling under the weather.Another oral symptom that can be caused by the common cold is bad breath. When your body is producing excess mucus, the post nasal drip that seeps in the back of your mouth creates an environment that allows bacteria to grow and multiple, thus giving off an unpleasant odor. It is important to note that when you are sick, it is highly recommended to stay on top of your oral care and hygiene game. Although it may be tough to get out of bed, it is important to know that being sick can take a toll on your oral health so skipping hygiene appointments or dental visits to get some extra rest can cause more harm than good. This can be especially true if your oral health is already on a rocky road and the excess bacteria and lack of oral hygiene can make matter worse. So, as hard as it may seem to get out of bed during sick days, its best to remember the long term effects and how brushing at least twice a day can help minimize oral complications and improve your health overall.Contact your top choice Mississauga dental office today to keep your mouth in tip top shape for the holiday season at 905-278-4297