Why it is important to maintain Good oral hygiene in Covid-19?


We are in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic where people infected are in millions. This alarming time has showed us the importance of hygiene whether it's of our surrounding or personal hygiene. Hygiene has become essential than ever. People have now become more cautious about what they eat and what hygienic products are being used. 

HOW ORAL HYGIENE AFFECTS COVID-19? 

Maintaing a healthy oral hygiene becomes extremely important too especially when mouth mucosa becomes one of the main portal for the entry of virus. Good oral hygiene during Coronavirus infection in a way prevent the entry of virus and avoid infection as bacterial load is reduced in mouth, thereby, reducing the risk of bacterial superinfection. 

But in cases of poor oral hygiene due to increased bacterial load chance of caries and periodontitis increases. In 20%  COVID-19 cases it is seen that severe cases are found to be associated with bacteria and inflammation which poses certain risks to patient and might prove fatal. Poor oral hygiene poses a greater risk in patients with complications like diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular diseases. 


It is also seen that hyposalivation too makes the patient vulnerable to SARS-COVID-19 infection. Saliva plays an important role in fighting in infections in oral cavity due to presence of certain proteins which have antiviral properties. Decreased salivary secretions becomes a risk factor for the infection. 


WHY ORAL CARE IS IMPORTANT IN COVID-19? 

As already discussed that increased bacterial load might cause bacterial superinfection or bacteria might get aspirated and attack the already affected lungs. Also poor hygiene leads to caries, periodontitis or any oral infection. 

If the situation was normal, patients would have visited the dental clinic in vase of caries, any other infection or as suggested by dentist that people should have a regular six months checkup. But with the pandemic, everything is changing. One cannot just visit the clinic as dentist becomes more vulnerable to infection if they come in contact with asymptomatic infected patient. For the same reason routine checkups and situation which aren't categorized as emergency situations aren't entertained by dentist. So it becomes extremely important to take care of your oral hygiene. 


WHEN TO VISIT A DENTIST 


Only visit a dentist if there is an emergency situation.  Emergency situations include :

  • Pain due to third molar
  • Fracture of tooth that results in pain. 
  • Localized bacterial infection which results in pain and swelling in the infected area
  • Displacement or Avulsion
  • Dry Socket dressing
  • Presence of abnormal tissue in oral cavity 
  • Restorations that cause irritation

But before visiting a dentist always call. As in some cases treatment can be delayed and medications can cure the patient symptomatically. Upload the prescription online and buy medicines from online pharmacy store in India. 


In Non-Urgent cases: 
  • Orthodontic therapy
  • Esthetic dental procedure
  • Restorative dental procedure
  • Routine checkups
  • Replacement of dentures
  • Scaling or root planing, 
 
patients must consult their doctor about delayed treatment and home remedies.Because in this hour it is very important to stay safe and keep yourself as far as possible from SARS-COVID-19 infection. 



HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ORAL HYGIENE :


Seeing above factors it is important that one must take care of their oral hygiene so that there arise no need not to visit the dental clinic when deadly virus is already at peak. 

1.)BRUSH YOUR TEETH : 

Brush your teeth twice a day one time in morning and before going to    bed. Clean properly so that bacteria and plaque  is washed away properly followed by                interdental flossing as brush cannot clean in    between your teeth. Clean your tongue too as it might harbour many bacteria. If possible use automatic brush than manual as they can eaily remove plaque and bacteria. 



2.) TOOTHPASTE : 

Your toothpaste must contain appropriate amount of fluoride content and other ingredients that are important to keep oral cavity hygienic. 

3.) MOUTHWASH: 

Use of mouthwashes are recommended in case with poor oral hygiene. It also cleans the areas where brush cannot reach. Chlorohexidine mouthwashes are preferred. You can buy dental hygienic products online from online medicine app

4.) NUTRITION : 

You must take care of your diet. Avoid food that makes your teeth susceptible to caries. Avoid taking excessive sugar, sticky foods as it will be difficult to visit a dentist if you suffer from sweet tooth. Avoid acidic food and drinks like carbonated cola drinks, citric food that weakens tooth surface thereby leasing to formation of cavity. 



In Nutshell, oral health plays a fundamental role in COVID-19 and one must not neglect it in any circumstance. Practice oral hygiene daily so that you can avoid going out and expose yourself to. this deadly virus. 

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