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.

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