Why Dental Health During The Coronavirus Outbreak important, And How To Care For Your Mouth

As it is well said, The mouth is a window to your overall health.

The mouth is a portal for taking in all kinds of things, including the coronavirus, oral care is essential right now.

Oral conditions may impact infection in other parts of the body, especially in people with a compromised immune system.

We need to keep that microbiome in check, and keep you from an emergency dental visit during lockdown and quarantine.

We share advice on this:

1). Brush, floss, rinse, repeat.

Preventative measures like brushing and flossing are a must, as it might help in improving and maintain good oral hygiene .

An electric or ultrasonic toothbrush is a better option for removing bacteria and keeping teeth and gums healthy,”

Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride to prevent cavities.

Over-the-counter mouthwashes helps reducing the bacteria found around the gumline called tartar and plaque.

We recommend gargling with a hydrogen peroxide solution if you’re getting over a cold or flu.

Use a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide ,Anything stronger is likely to cause irritation. Mix two parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide.” Limit this practice to a few times a week. “Overuse can damage the normal flora and bio ecosystem of the mouth and allow the opportunity for fungal infections to appear,” this is to be noted.

2 ). Clean and replace your toothbrush often.

The bristles of your toothbrush can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Fungi, like candida, can live on a toothbrush,” . “Because people are on high alert right now, a good tip is to rinse your brush with hydrogen peroxide every day to keep the bristles clean.”

Toothbrushes should be replaced when the bristles become bent or frayed,”. Don’t go longer than three months with the same brush.

3). Stop sharing oral hygiene

Periodontal disease, a common septic condition caused by poor hygiene and candidiasis, an oral yeast infection also called thrush, can be spread easily via toothbrush. So can “viruses such as streptococcus mutans, which can cause MRSA infections as well as Herpes simplex and HPV, a virus linked to esophageal, oral and cervical cancers,” best dentist in Delhi said. Plus, “bleeding gums can spread a bloodborne illness.”

Because we’re in the midst of a viral outbreak, to avoid cross contamination, anything you handle with your hands prior to putting in your mouth should not be shared.

4). Consider oil pulling.

Swish raw, organic coconut oil in your mouth for five to 10 minutes to help kill viruses in the mouth. Oil pulling can soothe sensitive gums, as coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, according to a 2010 study.

5). Don’t pick chapped lips.

Stay hydrated, consider using a humidifier and moisturize lips with a gentle product. Resist licking, as this exacerbates dry skin.

6). Try tongue scraping.

“Debris, bacteria and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time, can lead to bad breath and have a negative impact on your overall oral health”. “Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup and help with overall hygiene.” So go ahead and balance the body’s microbiome, boost immunity and have a little fun with this final step in your oral hygiene routine.

Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus. The information in this article is what was known or available, but possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus.