Tips for Oral Care in Covid Times

How to keep your mouth clean in this pandemic? Are any extra measures required?

A link has been found between poor oral hygiene and severity of SARS COV-2 infections

Sampson, V., Kamona, N. & Sampson, A. Could there be a link between oral hygiene and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections?. Br Dent J 228, 971–975 (2020). 

Covid-19 is of viral origin, but bacteria play a crucial role in the severe forms of infection. High bacterial load in the oral cavity is linked to post viral complications from Covid-19 and improving the oral health can reduce risk of complications. Good oral hygiene can reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and chances of bacterial superinfection.

Oral health is responsible for overall health. So it is important to vigorously follow an oral hygiene routine to combat the bacterial infection and lessen the viral load.

Precautionary measures:

1. Wash your hands before beginning the oral hygiene routine.

2. Brush twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. Never share your toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush after you have been sick.

3. Don't store the toothbrush wet. Dry it and store in an open container. Never store everyone's toothbrushes together.

4. Use floss or an interdental brush to clean in between the teeth atleast once a day.

5. Maintaining optimum health of the tonsils is important. Do frequent gargling with lukewarm salt water.

6. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals.

7. Clean your dentures and other oral appliances daily.

8. Clean your tongue daily with a tongue cleaner to reduce bacterial build up and prevent bad breath.

9. Massage your gums with a clean finger to improve blood circulation.

10. Quit adverse habits.

11. (Optional) For nasal hygiene which is likely to influence the throat, you may clean the nasal passages by passing lukewarm salt water from one nostril and blowing it out through the other nostril in a process called as jal neti.

12. Eat a balanced and a nutritious diet. Avoid sugary and sticky foods. Restrict snacking intervals. Consume fibrous foods instead of refined and processed foods.

13. Drink plenty of fluids. Reduced saliva secretion can impair the oral mucosal surface and increase the risk of contracting infection. Hence, staying hydrated is essential. You may also use sugar-free chewing gums to improve salivation.

Don't neglect your oral cavity. If neglected, it can leave the door open to diseases like Covid-19.

Pay close attention to your oral health to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Take care. Stay safe.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dental Inlays & Onlays

In case of moderate damage to your tooth, instead of fillings or full crown your dentist may recommend onlay or inlay. They are considered better alternatives to crown because they save more of the original tooth structure. What are Inlays and Onlays? They are indirect fillings or partial crowns which are fabricated in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. Inlay is placed when the cusp of the tooth (top structure of the rear teeth) is involved by decay or fracture whereas onlays repair the biting surfaces of teeth when one or more cusps are involved. Dental inlay is placed in the centre of the tooth whereas dental onlay is placed involving the inside and outer areas of the tooth. They can be of various types of materials like gold or tooth coloured fillings like ceramic or composites. Benefits: Precise size and shape of the involved section of the tooth Less contraction and accurate fit as compared to a filling Low chances of failure Increase...
Read more

Flexible Partial Dentures

A denture is a type of dental prosthesis designed to replace missing teeth. It is composed of two parts: denture base and teeth. Flexible dentures are called as flexible because the denture base is made of a softer nylon material which is more flexible than traditional acrylic denture bases. They are meant for partial replacement of your dentition. What are the advantages? More comfortable to wear and better fit since they conform to your gums unlike the rigid traditional dentures. This reduces the risk of sores and irritation. Less fragile and less likely to break. Not bulky; so they feel much more natural when you wear them. Blends in your mouth well. Are you considering flexible partial dentures? If yes, get in contact with us today. Dr. Shraddha Karkhanis BDS, MDS Periodontist & Oral Implantologist
Read more

Gum Depigmentation - A procedure to change your dark gums!

The most profound and powerful facial expression of all is YOUR SMILE. But some dental problems can ruin your smile. Hyperpigmentation of gingiva (gums) can compromise the esthetics of an individual. Melanin pigment contributes to the normal colour of oral mucosa. It may be brown or black and is considered physiological. But in case too much is present, then it can affect your smile since it becomes visible during smiling and speaking. Depigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the look of your gums. It can help to lighten the dark spots on your gums by targeting them to remove melanin and helps to achieve a uniform colour of pink. What is causing dark gums? Poor oral hygiene maintenance Smoking or chewing tobacco Genetics When should you undergo treatment? Darkened gums which can affect the quality of your smile Adequate thickness of gums Healthy gums (Absence of gum disease) How is it treated? Depigmentation is a simple yet highly effective cosme...
Read more