Dental Health Tips: How Dental Health Can Prevent COVID-19 Symptoms

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Possible Connections Between COVID-19 and Dental Health

As you’re probably aware, COVID-19 symptoms run far and wide throughout the population. The American Dental Association (ADA) and other organizations have been keeping a close watch on any mouth or tongue issues that coronavirus patients have experienced.

Some research has determined that people suffering from severe gum disease could be at a greater risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Others have found tongue abnormalities, including red patches and lesions, in those afflicted with the coronavirus.

Thus far, the findings have been mostly inconclusive. The tongue abnormalities, for example, are commonplace amongst those who don’t take good care of their teeth and gums. However, since coronaviruses are often studied for years before discovering their full potential impact, it’s important that you err on the side of caution and always remains diligent about your dental care routine.

Dental Health Tips for Good Oral Hygiene and Extra Safety

While there may not be a 100% certainty that maintaining good dental hygiene will reduce COVID-19 symptoms, it’s certainly possible that it will. Regardless, even just reducing the possibility of tooth decay or gum disease is worth following a dental health regimen.

To help you out, here are some of our favorite tips for healthy teeth and gums:

Brush Your Teeth Every Single Day

With so many people being at home more often and feeling that their lives have been turned upside down, it’s easy to get lazy with dental health. However, you must always remember to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice every day. This alone will do wonders, but you definitely shouldn’t stop there.

Never Forget to Floss Once Per Day

Aside from brushing, flossing is the most effective way to keep your teeth clear of bacteria. You should be flossing once per day, preferably at night, to dislodge food particles that can get stuck between your teeth. If you discover that your gum line begins to bleed while flossing, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get them checked out.

Regular Cleanings and Check-Ups

Although dental offices were closed for a while when the pandemic first started, they’ve now opened up to regular business. They’re also taking extra precautions that are necessary to help stop the spread of the virus. This means that it’s safe to return to a twice-per-year cleaning and check-up routine.

Pick Up Supplies Before Running Out

Many of us have a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to picking up new supplies, whether it’s for dental needs, cooking, cleaning, etc. This can lead to neglecting your teeth for several days if you run out and aren’t able to go to the store right away. Pick up new supplies when you’re down to a fourth of anything and you can’t go wrong.

Switch Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months

The truth is that many people go several months or maybe even a year or two before switching out their toothbrush. This means that the bristles will be frayed or worn down, which makes them less effective. Always switch your toothbrush to a new one every three months. And as an added tip, you may not want to store your toothbrush in the bathroom because of microscopic fecal matter that basically settles on everything.

Consider Getting an Electric Toothbrush

If you have problems brushing your teeth thoroughly, an electric toothbrush should do the trick. They contain rechargeable batteries and are very pleasant and easy to use. You should also consider getting one for your kids, because children often have an easier time using an electric toothbrush than a normal one.

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash Each Day

In addition to a fluoride toothpaste, you should be using a fluoride mouthwash each day. This type of mouthwash kills more than 99% of bacteria, which can help you avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If this isn’t included in your regular routine already, add it to the mix right away.

Don’t Forget to Scrape Your Tongue

Not to gross out any couples who may be reading this, but your tongue is chock-full of bacteria. While you’re brushing your teeth, make sure that you also target your tongue to remove any bacteria build-up. The best technique is to use a tongue scraper, but you can also use your toothbrush if one isn’t available.

Be Careful of What You Eat and Drink

There are so many foods and drinks that can harm your dental health that it would be impossible to list all of them here. The most obvious ones include sugary snacks like candy and soda, but acidic foods such as citrus fruits are a concern as well. And you should also be avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products entirely.

Contact Your Downtown Dentist Dr. Ferullo for More Dental Health Tips

If you follow these dental health tips, you’ll be able to take good care of your teeth and gums whether you contract the COVID-19 virus or not. If you have any questions, contact the St. Petersburg dentist office of Dr. Ferullo by calling (727) 822-8101 to schedule an appointment today.

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