Emergency Dentist Gives 4 Oral Hygiene Tips To Lower Your Risk of COVID-19

Good oral hygiene habits are one of the most important things you can do to prevent dental emergencies. And that’s especially important during the COVID-19 crisis when no one wants to visit an emergency dentist in Pearland! But you may not know that, since your mouth is an entry point for the virus, the way you brush and floss can actually increase or decrease your chance of getting it. Keep reading below for 4 helpful guidelines to improve your oral hygiene routine and lower your risk of getting COVID-19.

1. De-Germ Your Toothbrush

First, get into the habit of rinsing your toothbrush in hot water after each brushing to rinse away any viruses or bacteria. It’s also a good idea to do a “deep clean” once a week by soaking the entire brush in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water, or 70% rubbing alcohol, for 15 minutes. Then rinse it well with tap water and let it dry.

2. Make Sure Your Hands Are Clean Before Brushing and Flossing

If your hands have come into contact with the virus, you don’t want to transfer it to your mouth when brushing and flossing. Wash your hands beforehand for at least 20 seconds with plain soap and water. Lightly “scrub” in between your fingers, your fingertips and nails, and the front and back of your hands before rinsing well.

3. Don’t Share Your Toothbrush, Toothpaste or Floss

It goes without saying that a dentist would advise against sharing your toothbrush. And, when COVID-19 is a risk, that’s even more important. It’s also helpful for each member of a household to use their own toothpaste and floss, which can potentially help them avoid spreading the virus between them.

4. Disinfect Your Bathroom Each Day

The bathroom is a “high-traffic area” and has a lot of frequently touched surfaces. Get into the habit of disinfecting light switches and doorknobs, counters, your toothbrush holder, drawer handles, faucets and the toilet handle.

If you can’t find any disinfectant in the store, you can make your own by diluting 4 teaspoons of bleach into a quart of water (just make sure the room is well-ventilated and that you wear gloves). Alternatively, you can just use 70% rubbing alcohol.

Everyone is doing their best to keep themselves and their loved ones safe right now. With these 4 simple guidelines, your oral hygiene routine won’t put you or your family at risk!

About the Author

Dr. Danny Nguyen is a general and emergency dentist in Pearland with more than 20 years of experience. He wants to help all of his patients get through the COVID-19 crisis with good oral health and is still open for emergency care at this time. If you have any questions or want to know more about your oral hygiene routine while self-isolating, he can be reached via his website.