Coughs and sneezes spread diseases…

As we enter the season where it can feel like we are saying ‘Bless you!’ more often than the local vicar, it’s a good time to remind patients of some of the oral health implications that suffering from everyday winter illnesses can bring about.

The common cold can affect anyone, though it is more common in children. Adults typically experience an average of two to three colds per year, while children experience an average of five to eight colds per year and about a quarter of all colds are still without proven cause. The constant coughing and sneezing that often comes with a cold and a blocked nose can adversely affect the oral cavity as these symptoms can lead to a dry mouth, which reduces saliva flow. As you know, saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health by neutralising acids, washing away food particles and fighting bacteria. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gingival disease and bad breath. So, ‘keeping hydrated’ should be the recommendation here for any patients suffering from a cold.