We are well into the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the vaccine has helped millions regain a semblance of normalcy in their lives, many still suffer from the health impacts of the infection. There are many ways to lessen the severity of the Coronavirus should you catch it, and recent studies show that practicing good oral hygiene habits can help, too. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses the role your oral health can play in minimizing the severity of COVID-19.
How Oral Health Is Connected To The Virus
As noted above, poor oral hygiene is associated with more severe symptoms of COVID-19 and it can cause them to last longer. Our mouths can act as a reservoir for the infection, meaning that taking poor care of our gums and teeth can cause a larger build-up. Moreover, it is well-established that gum disease is connected to heart issues and the Coronavirus also causes more issues for those with heart disease. Because of this correlation, it is especially important to take good care of your mouth to minimize any complications should you contract the virus.
Practice Good Brushing Habits
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your mouth. You probably know this already, but there are certain things you can do to improve your technique and efficiency. Make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day. Many electronic toothbrushes have built-in timers, so make sure you brush until it tells you to stop. If you do not have this type of brush, you can set a timer on your phone until you get a good sense of what brushing for two minutes feels like. You also need to make sure you are getting all surfaces of your teeth — the top, outside, and inside. Don’t forget to brush your gums as well to minimize inflammation. In addition to promoting a healthy mouth, this will also ensure your teeth stay as white and bright as possible.
Don’t Forget To Floss
In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also be flossing every day. For peak efficiency, start with about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around your fingers, leaving about two inches to actually floss with. When flossing, curve the floss around the base of each tooth, and go beneath the gum line. As you go from tooth to tooth, you should use new, clean sections of floss. While you want to thoroughly get between every tooth, don’t be too aggressive, so you won’t hurt your gums. Overall, practicing good oral hygiene can minimize the chance of you needing more serious work done down the road, like oral surgery or cosmetic procedures to make up for aesthetic damage done.
Contact Us To Learn More About Maintaining Good Health
Nothing is more important to us than the health of our patients. We are here to help ensure you have a healthy and radiant smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, today at 949-630-0143. We look forward to hearing from you.
Recent Comments