COVID-19: Why Keeping Great Oral Hygiene Is Important

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, so we must practice social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene to avoid infection and stay safe. We should also maintain good oral hygiene to fight coronavirus, as it first attacks the oral epithelial cells, then your lungs and airways. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is important and will help tremendously. 

Here are a few tips that can help you maintain good oral hygiene during the COVID-19 outbreak and avoid catching or spreading the virus:

1. Avoid Sharing Your Toothbrush

   Do not share your toothbrush with anyone else. This is the best way to avoid cross-infection and prevent the spread of the virus. Also, make sure to keep your toothbrush separately to avoid toothbrush heads touching each other. 

2. Change Your Toothbrush Regularly

   Make sure to change your toothbrush every 3 months or even before if the soft bristles are worn out. This will prevent catching or spreading the bacteria, germs, and viruses. Regularly changing your toothbrush also ensures that you are brushing your teeth effectively.

3. Close the Toilet Lid Before You Flush

   Do not store your toothbrush near the toilet since whenever you or someone flushes, aerosols are produced and can stay on your toothbrush. Either keep your toothbrush away from your toilet or close the toilet lid before you flush.

4. Clean Your Bathroom Regularly 

   Many people keep things like their toothbrush, flannels, towels, and other items in their bathroom. Make sure your bathroom is regularly cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize cross-infections.

5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

   You should follow good oral hygiene to keep your mouth, teeth, and throat healthy and free of infectious pathogens. Here are some tips to practice good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste with fluoride
• Clean between your teeth at least once a day using dental floss, mouthwash, or interdental brushes
• Drink more water and limit the intake of sugary foods and beverages
   

Follow the above-mentioned oral hygiene tips to avoid dental pain or any other dental emergency. However, if you have any oral problem that you think requires immediate treatment, then contact your dentist to schedule a teleconsultation or face-to-face appointment. To contact Plaza Dental for emergencies, call us at 515-224-5999.