We all know the Centers for Disease Control recommends you help stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good general hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing, social and physical distancing, wearing a mask, and making sure to not touch your face. In addition, you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in your own household by practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Here are some tips to get you through these trying times:
First, before you start to practice any oral care at home, make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Keep in mind you’re about to put those hands IN YOUR MOUTH, and we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. Got your hands washed? OK. Good. Now –
Put a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on your toothbrush. (It would be wise to invest in your own personal tube of toothpaste that you don’t share with anyone else to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.) Spend two minutes brushing your teeth in a circular motion with gentle pressure, making sure you brush the outside, inside and tops of all your teeth.
Keep your toothbrush clean after brushing with a thorough rinse under the faucet with hot water to remove the leftover food particles. Store it upright in a dry open space, away from the toilet and preferably away from everyone else’s toothbrush. If you’re using the same toothbrush holder, do not let your toothbrush head touch anybody else’s toothbrush head. Replace your toothbrush every 4 months or after recovering from an illness, whichever comes first.
Make sure you floss your teeth at least once a day. The American Dental Association has a great instructional video on proper flossing, should you feel the need to review.
Keep your bathroom clean! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning products you use, focus on high touch surfaces (sink, light switches, door knobs, toilet, etc.), but be sure you remove all those things the things you flossed out of your teeth that wind up on the bathroom mirror as well! Visit the CDC for helpful hints about how to properly disinfect your bathroom.
Lastly, don’t share your toothbrush with anyone else. Again, we are in the midst of a global pandemic and we want to STOP the spread of COVID-19. Toothbrush-sharing introduces new bacteria from your toothbrush onto someone else’s teeth and vice versa. This makes it easy to potentially spread COVID-19, not to mention the common cold, influenza, herpes, or HPV. Furthermore, if the person you lent your toothbrush to is an aggressive brusher and bleeds on your toothbrush, you could also be at risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or other communicable diseases.
In conclusion, in the midst of this pandemic, it is especially important to take these measures to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, and achieve better oral health habits in the process.
Stay safe, Buckeyes!
-Kyle Sowash, RDH
