Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard a lot about the Coronavirus or COVID-19. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this virus is transferred via droplets from person to person; then they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, bringing the infection into the body. As the wettest part of your body and a main entry point to your whole system, your mouth plays a pivotal role in avoiding or limiting the spread of COVID-19, which is why it’s important to take care of your oral health. Below you’ll find oral health tips from your dentist in Westhampton that promote a healthy immune system.
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing your teeth are the two most efficient ways to get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which is why it’s important that you keep these habits up every single day, even if you’re staying home. In addition to the risks of a viral infection, germs and food particles combine to form plaque, a white, sticky substance that tends to accumulate around the gum line and between teeth. Within hours of forming, plaque can harden and attach to the teeth, making it much harder to remove. If you want extra reinforcement for a healthy mouth, consider using anti-bacterial mouthwash with fluoride in it. Consistent oral hygiene ensures that bacteria aren’t allowed to stick around and mess with your system.
Be Smart about Your Oral Care
The CDC has encouraged us all to wash our hands frequently and to avoid contact with the face, but your daily oral care entails touching your face. However, if you take 20 seconds to wash your hands with soap and water before you start your oral hygiene routine, you can reduce the risk of infection. Then, remember to wash your hands when you’re done so that you don’t unintentionally spread it to others.
Sharing a toothbrush with someone else has been discouraged long before COVID-19 became a widespread problem and will continue to be discouraged long after we have it under control. It’s just a bad idea for your oral and overall health! Also, make sure you throw away floss after each use to avoid the potential of infection.
Switch Out Your Toothbrush Regularly
In normal conditions, you should start using a new toothbrush about every three to four months. Not only can your old toothbrush’s bristles become inefficient by that time, but your toothbrush can also hold onto bacteria and allow viruses to enter or reenter your system. Even if you just have the flu and not COVID-19, it is usually a good idea to toss out your old toothbrush after you recover to avoid reinfection.
As you follow these tips, as well as the instructions from the CDC, you’ll be better protected from COVID-19 and do your part to prevent its spread to vulnerable populations. Hopefully, we can get it under control soon, but until then, stay safe and healthy!
About the Practice
Following the strong recommendations of New York State and The American Dental Association, Beach Dental is temporarily closed for any non-essential procedures. Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli are still available for dental emergencies only for the foreseeable future. If you have questions about our office hours or need an emergency appointment, you can contact us by calling 516-994-6863 or clicking here.