According to the American Dental Association, oral hygiene is related to COVID-19. It is why maintaining good oral hygiene is a crucial task today. In this article, we will seek to understand the connections between the two and how to overcome them.

Dental Problems During COVID-19

A large number of people are afflicted with COVID-19. It is reported that these people are also at a higher risk of oral diseases and encounter imbalances in oral health and health care. 

COVID-19 has also restricted dental practices for dentists. They were asked to use non-aerosolizing preventive approaches since aerosol-generating methods can cause viral transmissions. Thus, COVID-19 has made a vast impact on the lifestyle and oral health care of people.

Proper Oral Hygiene Reduces the Risk of COVID-19

Oral hygiene does not always mean the complete elimination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi from the oral cavity. It is the equal maintenance of non-pathogenic microbes in it. Encouraging this balance reduces the risk of viral infections. You can achieve this by following routine cleaning through antibacterial mouthwashes and by eliminating high concentration pockets of microorganisms in the form of biofilms.

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

If you want to reduce the risk of COVID-19, it is advisable to maintain good oral hygiene. Thus, you need to look at the following tips to keep you and your teeth healthy during this pandemic:

• According to a report, the coronavirus stays on the surface of an object for up to three days. This includes your toothbrushes. Thus, to keep your toothbrush clean and free of the virus, it is recommended to rinse it with point five percent hydrogen peroxide for fifteen minutes.
• Wait for the toothbrush to dry before keeping it. It will help to prevent you from getting infected from the virus or bacteria accumulated in it.
• The American Dental Association asks you to replace your toothbrush after every three to four months. However, recently because of coronavirus, dentists ask their patients to replace the brush more often than before.
• Avoid touching your face, lips, mouth, eyes, and ears, with unwashed hands. It will save you from getting affected by COVID-19.

Other than these general guidelines, it is recommended to:

• Use antiseptic to kill the bacteria or germs from the mouth.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Regularly floss your teeth to eliminate the buildup of plaque.
• Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth.
• Drink a lot of fluoridated water.

These preventive measures can help keep you safe from COVID-19 infections.

Balentine Plaza offers expert dental care solutions during the present COVID-19 pandemic times, following the rules and regulations set by the authorities. For more information call us at (510) 656-4400, book online, or visit us at 5866 Mowry School Road, Newark, CA 94560.