Do you brush and floss your teeth regularly? What about using mouthwash? These steps are always important to take to ensure the health of your smile. However, a good oral healthcare routine has taken on new significance during COVID-19. In a time where it’s vital to eliminate bacteria, why treat your mouth any different? Read on to see why your dentist in Columbia says you should maintain a good oral healthcare routine and how mouthwash can help.
Why a Healthy Mouth is Important
Your oral health is important no matter what time of year it is. Good dental hygiene can keep your mouth free of plaque and bacteria, which will lower your risk of issues like cavities, decay, and gum disease. However, oral healthcare is more vital than you may think! Studies have shown a link between oral and overall health, specifically with gum disease. If left untreated, this problem can lead to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, certain cancers, diabetes, and even more general health issues. Thankfully, this risk can be avoided with proper dental care.
Clean Your Mouth, Especially Now
During the outbreak of COVID-19, you’re probably making sure that everything is clean—your surfaces, chairs, bathroom, clothes, and more, but your mouth should be no exception. It’s more important than ever to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and maintain a regular dental hygiene routine. While there are no studies directly proving that oral healthcare lowers risk of the Coronavirus, eliminating the number of bacteria in your mouth that can be inhaled into the lungs sure won’t hurt your risk of being infected.
How Mouthwash Can Help
To give your mouth an extra layer of cleaning, you can add mouthwash. Just make sure that you’re using a rinse without alcohol. This ingredient can cause dry mouth, which promotes the growth of bacteria. When in doubt, you can look for the ADA seal of approval and check the ingredient list. After you brush, simply swish around the mouthwash for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This will not only give your teeth some protection, but it will help clean away bacteria and plaque that couldn’t be reached during brushing and flossing.
When to See Your Dentist
Your dentist is closed for elective treatments, however they are still available in the event of an emergency. If you experience sudden dental pain in the form of a toothache, cracked tooth, lost tooth, lost crown, or other emergencies, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. These problems should be dealt immediately to prevent even more severe issues from occurring. Toothaches can often be mistaken for pesky pieces of food debris stuck in the smile, so it’s a good idea to floss around the area before confirming that it’s a dental emergency.
When cleaning and sterilization is everything, don’t forget about your mouth. Remember this useful information to stay healthy during this uncertain time.
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care, we want to help our patients remain healthy in any way possible. That’s why we are ready to get you out of pain during Coronavirus if you are having a dental emergency. For any questions, we can be reached through our website or by phone at (931) 388-8452.