- 3124
- 3.2 Minute
Oral Hygiene During Covid-19
We believe that the role of oral bacteria in facilitating co-infection in COVID-19 is relevant but overlooked. Poor oral hygiene is believed to be a crucial ecological pressure that drives complex microbial communities in the mouth into dysbiosis.
Ecological shifts in the dysbiotic ecosystem favour an increased prevalence of pathogenic oral bacteria.
Daily activities such as mastication, flossing, and tooth brushing can trigger bacteremia, which facilitates the hematogenous spread of oral bacteria and inflammatory mediators, leading to systemic inflammation in some patients.
Good oral hygiene is therefore important for controlling the overall microbial growth in the mouth, maintaining or restoring the oral symbiotic balance, and preventing the spread of oral bacteria to other sites in the body.
Impact of Covid-19 on Oral Health
- Populations are negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and are also at higher risk for oral diseases, experiencing higher rates of imbalances in oral health care.
- COVID-19 led to the closure and reduction of hours of the dental practice, except for emergency and emergency services, limiting routine care and prevention.
- Dental care contains aerosol-generating practices that may increase viral transmission.
- The pandemic provides the opportunity for the dental profession to shift more towards non-aerosolizing, preventive approaches to care and away from surgical interventions.
- Regulatory barriers to access to oral hygiene during the pandemic could have a positive impact if sustained in the future.
Oral Hygiene and Covid-19
- During the major outbreak of Covid-19, many people faced poor oral health and periodontal disease.
- If a person is having a lung infection, there is a risk that oral secretions may be sucked into the lungs, which can cause infection.
- Some of the microorganisms present in the mouth that can cause these infections involve Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia,”.
- Periodontitis or gum infection, is among the most common causes of harmful bacterial infections.
- These microorganisms lead to the formation of cytokines, such as Interleukin 1 (IL1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), which can be detected in the saliva and can reach the lungs, leading to infection.
- Inadequate oral hygiene may raise the risk of inter-bacterial exchanges between the lungs and the mouth; and increase the risk of respiratory infections and potentially post-viral bacterial complications.
How Does Oral Hygiene Reduce the Risk of Viral Infections?
- Oral hygiene is not the total elimination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi from the oral cavity, because this is practically impossible.
- Rather, it is the maintenance of equilibrium between the non-pathogenic microbes in it.
- Sustaining this balance reduces the risk of viral and other types of infections.
- This is obtained by routine cleanings of antibacterial mouthwashes and by eliminating pockets of high concentrations of microorganisms in the form of biofilms, whether in plaques or unsafe crypts or pockets in tonsils.
Can Poor Oral Hygiene Increase the Risk of Contracting COVID-19?
- Just to answer, yes. Viruses such as COVID-19 may enter the body through the nose and mouth.
- They tend to be attached to the liner and then invade healthy cells through a process called internalization.
- This causes a sore throat. The nose, back of the nose, and throat have receptors for COVID-19 called ACE2 receptors that cause these areas to act as reservoirs for the virus.
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene During Covid
To help reduce the risk of COVID-19, the Guidelines recommend that you practice good basic hygiene, such as proper handwashing, social distancing and not touching your face.
In addition, good dental hygiene is also crucial to helping prevent you and your family from getting sick.
Below are some helpful oral hygiene tips. Many people don't realize that their toothbrushes can contain bacteria, blood, and saliva.
Not only does improper toothbrush care result in poor hygiene over time, but it can also spread viral infections such as COVID-19.
Clean And Disinfect Your Toothbrush
- Coronavirus may remain on the surface for up to three days, including toothbrushes.
- However, you could even disinfect your toothbrush daily by rinsing it with 0.5 percent hydrogen peroxide for up to 15 minutes.
- This solution can kill the bacteria in COVID-19 in about a minute. Before brushing, ensure you rinse off your toothbrush.
Replace Your Toothbrush
- Everyone should replace their electric toothbrush head or disposable toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
- During the coronavirus pandemic, dentists recommend replacing them more often. Or at least every three months.
Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Allow the toothbrush to dry after every use by keeping it in an upright position. This helps to avoid the spread and growth of bacteria.
Practice Good Oral Care at Home
Maintaining proper oral health at home is always needed to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other conditions. However, it is particularly essential to take note of your teeth and mouth during the coronavirus pandemic to prevent the spread of the disease. Tips for practicing good oral care at home:
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth.
- Drink a lot of water fluoridation.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Floss your teeth daily to remove the buildup of plaque.
- Drink less alcohol and do not smoke tobacco.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
The Guidelines recommend cleaning your hands at least 20 seconds a few times a day to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have to leave your house for any reason, you should wash your hands right after you return home. A hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is also capable of killing the coronavirus.
Avoid Touching Your Face And Mouth
Besides washing your hands and cleaning your home regularly, do not touch your face, lips, mouth, eyes, and ears with dirty hands. If you bite your nails, do not do as much as you can to prevent COVID-19 from contracting.
Conclusion:
- Regular oral hygiene involves maintaining cleanliness and health in your mouth.
- Brushing your teeth and tongue regularly, at least twice a day, is the simplest method.
- Using an antiseptic mouthwash for rinsing and gargling can also be beneficial.
- Drinking enough water promotes saliva production, which helps wash away harmful organisms and pathogens.
- Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential and highly recommended for maintaining oral health.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of oral health, as it can impact overall health and immunity.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day and flossing between your teeth daily to remove dental plaque. Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you don’t have natural teeth or dentures.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth.
Drink fluoridated water.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Floss your teeth daily to remove the buildup of plaque.
Drink less alcohol and do not smoke tobacco.
Good oral/dental health results in good overall health. Dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, may impair your ability to eat and speak properly, cause pain, and result in bad breath.
The cause of poor oral hygiene is usually the failure of the patient to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing of teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Some foods (sugars and acidic foods) and habits (such as smoking) may also result in poor oral hygiene and dental disease.
Tooth pain
Bleeding or swollen gums
Deteriorating gums
Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Some of the most common diseases affecting our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.
Related Blogs
If you have any questions, please fill out the enquiry form or call us, and we will get back to you promptly.
040-68334455
