Given the current COVID-19 crisis across the world, keeping excellent oral hygiene is becoming even more critical. The pandemic has disrupted our lives in various ways. While we are restricted from doing many things, but we can still take good care of our gums, teeth and mouth at home.
With most dentists postponing non-emergency treatments across the country, you must maintain excellent oral hygiene. Research indicates that good oral hygiene can prevent tooth rot, gum infections and bad breath. On the flip side, several health problems like diabetes, preterm labor and heart attack are all related to poor dental health. In fact, a saliva test can reveal more information about your overall health.
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene in Daily Life
Maintaining good dental hygiene improves your overall health. Here are the reasons why you should try to keep up with proper oral hygiene instructions and practices daily, especially during the Covid-19 crisis:
Good Oral Hygiene Keeps Your Gums and Teeth Healthy
Dental problems like gum disease or cavities can impair your ability to speak or eat properly, cause bad breath and unbearable pain. And what most people don’t know is that poor oral health can have profound effects on their overall health. For example, gum infections like periodontitis have been associated with low-birth-weight and premature births in pregnant women.
Although genetics play a critical role in determining whether you will get cavities, a daily oral hygiene regimen can help to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Regular brushing removes the debris and plaque that cause tooth decay and stimulate your gums to curb gum diseases.
Good Dental Hygiene Prevents Certain Diseases
Infections that begin in your mouth can often lead to serious health problems. For example, gingivitis inflames the gum, which later leads to periodontitis, a severe infection that can cause tooth loss. Some studies have shown that bacteria that cause gum disease can go all the way to your heart and cause cardiovascular disease, stroke or clogged arteries. Furthermore, infections that start in your mouth can be linked to other health conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Respiratory problems
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Coronary artery disease
In some cases, untreated gum disease can lead to death!
Good Oral Hygiene Prevents Tooth Loss
Poor oral hygiene in kids will results in early tooth loss, through the collapse of the dental arch, which later leads to various malocclusion. In the elderly tooth loss can impair their ability to eat healthy foods, and this affects their overall health. Good oral hygiene can prevent early tooth loss in kids and senior citizens.
Best Oral Hygiene Instructions to follow at Home
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, the American Dental Association has instructed dentists to restrict their services to emergency cases only. Fortunately, this post will give some oral hygiene instruction and tips that will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy during this crisis. You should keep your mouth healthy and clean by following these simple dental hygiene tips and instructions:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a medium/soft toothbrush and peanut-sized fluoride toothpaste. Avoid vigorous brushing because it can damage your gums.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily.
- Use mouthwash to eliminate food particles left after flossing and brushing.
- Follow healthy eating habits; reduce sugary foods because they can cause teeth erosion which later leads to sensitivity.
- Clean your palate and tongue with a brush before you sleep to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth.
- Remember to change your toothbrush once every three months.
- Avoid the use of tobacco products.
Final Thoughts
Poor oral hygiene can lead to several health problems, including unbearable tooth pain. Tooth pain is usually caused by gum disease, poor enamel conditions and tooth decay. You should make oral hygiene your prime concern during this time of Covid-19 crisis because the virus can easily be transmitted through your mouth, nose or touching infected surfaces.
As the dental community continues to adjust due to the changes posed by this crisis, make sure that you maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your oral health should be a priority now. Don’t forget to implement basic oral hygiene instructions daily. Just like washing your hands, sanitize and stay at home restrictions make sure that your brush and floss your teeth daily. Remember that taking care of your dental health improves your overall health. If you need help with your oral care needs, kindly schedule a consultation with family dentist in Murfreesboro TN – Dr. Fitzgerald today.
