You may be able to lower your risk of COVID-19 with a few simple changes to your at-home oral hygiene. The coronavirus is transmitted when infected respiratory droplets are dispersed via coughing, sneezing, and sometimes even breathing. Our mouths and hands both play a key role in how these infected droplets are received and spread, so it’s essential that we take extra care when cleaning our smiles every day. Your Attleboro dentist explains seven ways you can improve your oral hygiene to keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID-19.
1.) Clean Your Hands Before & After Cleaning Your Teeth
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long championed regular handwashing as a tool against germs of all kinds. Since your hands come in close proximity to your mouth while brushing, experts recommend washing your hands before and after your daily dental routine.
2.) Make Oral Hygiene a Family Affair
The entire household needs to do their part to keep your home healthy, including:
- Children, who may forget to wash their hands or store their toothbrushes properly.
- Family members with dentures, who need to wash their hands before removing or replacing them.
3.) Keep Your Toothbrush & Floss to Yourself
When you share a toothbrush or floss with someone, you also share their bacteria. A person can be contagious with COVID-19 for several days before showing or feeling symptoms. This means you could be sharing dental devices with someone who’s already sick, or vice versa.
4.) Disinfect Your Toothbrush
As an extra precaution, you can sanitize your toothbrush by:
- Swirling the bristles in a cup of water with two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into it.
- Soaking your toothbrush in vinegar overnight once a week.
5.) Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Your toothbrush can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria if you keep it in a dark, enclosed space like a cabinet or use a toothbrush cover. Store it properly by letting it airdry upright and away from other toothbrushes.
6.) Keep Your Toothbrushing Area Clean
Keep the area that you brush your teeth clean as well by:
- Rinsing off any cups or trays that hold toothbrushes or run them through the dishwasher.
- Regularly cleaning high-traffic surfaces like countertops, sink handles, and doorknobs.
7.) Replace Your Toothbrush After Getting Sick
Whenever you recover from a contagious sickness like the flu or a cold, it’s a good idea to use a new toothbrush to prevent reinfection. Since so little is known about COVID-19, this precautionary measure may help keep you safe.
Our oral health significantly influences our overall wellbeing, especially now. Start improving your oral hygiene at home with these seven easy but effective tips to help protect yourself and your family from COVID-19.
About the Practice
Our talented dental team here at Capron Park Dental in Attleboro, MA believe that excellent oral health is the foundation for a beautiful smile and improved quality of life, especially in light of the current pandemic. With the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community in mind, we have decided to postpone all elective and routine dental care until stay-at-home orders have been lifted. However, we are still accepting dental emergencies by appointment, so please don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at (508) 222-5950 if you need urgent oral health care.