Keeping Oral Health Hygienic During COVID-19

By Tim Fitzgerald on Mar 26, 2020 @ 04:30 PM

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, is becoming a big part of our lives and our daily routine. Whether you are working from home or social distancing, it’s on everyone’s minds. But have you thought about how it is influencing your oral hygiene routine? Droplets carrying COVID-19 coming in contact with your mouth is one of the easiest ways for the disease to find its way into your body. This means that taking care of your oral health is especially important right now – and so is making sure your oral health routine is hygienic. A hygienic oral health routine means taking the proper steps to keep your brushing and oral care habits safe and free from bacteria and viruses. Here are three key tips to make sure your oral health routine is hygienic!

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush: According to Authority Dental, 5% of people share their toothbrushes with loved ones. Don’t be one of them – it puts you and your family at risk. When you use someone else’s toothbrush, you are opening up the opportunity for bacteria and viruses to enter your body, potentially directly into your bloodstream. If you have small children who might use your toothbrush accidentally, or if you live with a partner or a roommate who might not respect your boundaries, keep your toothbrush in a travel container just to be safe.

Properly Disinfect Your Toothbrush: One of the best ways to keep your oral hygiene safe from diseases like coronavirus is to make sure your toothbrush stays properly disinfected. Bacteria can continue to live on your toothbrush after you brush, so keep it clean to make sure you aren’t introducing or reintroducing bacteria or viruses into your body. These are a few quick and easy ways to keep your toothbrush clean.

Warm Water: After you brush, make sure to rinse your toothbrush with warm water for at least 20 seconds. Then stand your toothbrush upright so it can dry without the bristles coming into contact with other bathroom surfaces.

Mouthwash: If you have mouthwash handy, you can simply soak your toothbrush head in a small cup of mouthwash for about three minutes or so. Then rinse under hot water and stand it up to dry. Just don’t use the mouthwash after – pour it out!

Boil It: If you are really worried about germs, you can boil some water in your kitchen and drop your toothbrush in for a few minutes. Boiling water gets hot enough to kill most bacteria and germs, so your toothbrush will be pristine. Just make sure not to leave it in too long – depending on your type of toothbrush you could warp the bristles or handle.

Avoid Touching Your Mouth: Touching your mouth or face can be a dangerous habit. It is easy to spread germs to your mouth, nose, and eyes when you touch your face. This is one of the easiest ways to get a respiratory infection or illness. If you are a nail-biter or face-toucher, you are way more likely to worsen the habit when you’re stressed. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face and mouth, even when you’re staying inside!

Continuing to take care and be mindful of your oral health is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from COVID-19. On top of that, your oral health has a direct connection to your overall health – so make sure it’s a priority. Another part of your oral hygiene routine to be aware of is your toothpaste. To make sure you are using the right toothpaste for you, check out our FREE toothpaste infographic below!