6 Oral Hygiene Habits to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many people are living in constant fear of contracting the virus. People are wearing masks and gloves whenever they have to go out, washing their hands more than normal, and staying at least six feet away from others. But did you know there are a few other habits you can implement to help prevent the spread of the disease? Keep reading as a dentist lists a few oral hygiene habits you can take to keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy.

1. Disinfect Your Toothbrush Weekly

At least once a week, give your toothbrush a deep cleaning by doing one of the following:

• Running your brush through a full dishwasher cycle
• Boiling your brush for five minutes
• Soaking both the brush and handle in a 70% alcohol solution

2. Wash Hands Before Brushing

We know that the virus is transmitted by touching your face, particularly your mouth. But what we often fail to consider is that your toothbrush touches your mouth. Make sure your hands are clean before you touch something that goes in your mouth.

3. Place Toothbrush in Open Container After Using

Don’t store your toothbrush in a cabinet, drawer, or travel container. Damp, dark places like these can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. Additionally, if you’re sharing a toothbrush holder, don’t let brushes touch. Better yet, store each brush in a separate holder.

4. Don’t Share Toothpaste or Floss

People can carry the virus for several days before displaying symptoms. Thus, sharing a tube of toothpaste or a container of floss could transmit the disease to anyone you’re living with. You and your family are much better off if everyone has their own oral hygiene products.

5. Replace Your Toothbrush If You Get Sick

Even if all you have is a mild cold or bacterial infection, it’s more beneficial to switch to a new toothbrush after you recover from getting sick. If you don’t, then the germs from your old toothbrush could infect you all over again. Your immune system might then have a harder time fighting off the coronavirus if it’s already busy working against whatever infection you previously had.

6. Practice Social Distancing While Brushing

Whenever you brush your teeth, bacteria from your mouth enter the air around you. For this reason, it’s best to stand six feet apart if you brush your teeth at the same time as your partner. You’re both better off brushing at different times.

With the widespread panic surrounding COVID-19, it’s helpful to be as calm as possible in these trying times. By practicing these oral hygiene habits, you can decrease your chances of contracting the virus, as well as keep your teeth and gums extra clean and healthy.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer is a graduate of the University of California at San Francisco, often considered the number one dental school in the U.S. He has been voted Best Dentist in Petaluma, CA six years in a row. Due to the coronavirus, his practice is currently only open to treating emergency patients. If you think you have a dental emergency, such as a toothache or broken tooth, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Koenitzer at (707) 766-6666.