The COVID 19 has engulfed the entire world and has worsened the health care system of the world. Its very nature of being viral has made people more worried. COVID 19 disease is primarily affecting the lungs of humans. However, it is adversely affecting the other health issues of the person too.
It is also affected by the oral health of the person in different ways. As we all know, oral health is one of the important aspects for keeping the overall health better. Many researchers have found that a proper oral care routine can help to reduce the severity of the Covid-19 disease.
What do researchers observe between Covid-19 and oral hygiene?
The researchers have observed different things about the Covid-19 and oral hygiene. British researchers have found that a bacterial infection easily increases in a person who is infected by the Coronavirus. The bacteria in the mouth can be minimized by proper maintenance of oral health hygiene. It can reduce the complications that arise due to the Covid-19 situations.
Some of the oral bacteria in the mouth cause infections like Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pervotella intermedia, etc. These bacteria cause infection in the lungs. Good oral hygiene can reduce the severity of the Covid-19 properly. It is also found by the researchers that coronavirus goes into the body through the saliva and then mixes with the bloodstream.
These severities of the coronavirus infecting the person are more when they have gum diseases like Gingivitis and Periodontitis. This easily infects the blood vessels of the individual due to coronavirus that causes breathing problems in the person. Researchers also state that a more amount of saliva is also important as it has antiviral properties and antimicrobial peptides that help in reducing the bad bacteria from the body.
What is the importance of oral care?
As the different researchers have agreed on the role of oral health in reducing coronavirus severity, it is important to take proper oral care. The mouth is the source through which we eat, speak, and smile. So, it is highly important to take care of oral health.
This increase in the oral disease can cause infection, pain, and expensive treatment later. So, it is important to prevent oral health problems at the earliest. The primary level of oral hygiene routine can help you to avoid oral problems and Covid-19 severity.
What oral care routine to lower Covid-19 severity?
Some of the basic oral care routines can lower the Covid-19 severity in the person.
Here are some of the guidelines for a proper oral care routine:
1. Brushing twice a day
Brushing is a basic important oral care habit that helps to clean the teeth and improve oral health. Brushing in the morning after getting up from sleep and brushing at night before going to sleep must be done. While brushing, make sure that you brush from all the sides of the teeth for at least 2 minutes. It will help to remove the food particles and the bacterial layer from the teeth.
2. Flossing once a day
Flossing must be done at least once in a day. It helps to remove the small food particles and bacteria build-up from the complicated areas of the teeth. The brush cannot reach these areas easily making it difficult to clean the teeth. Here, flossing can help to remove the small food particles easily.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is one of the ancient ways of cleaning the mouth for many years. Some of the oils are used here which are put in the mouth for some duration, gargled, and then spat out. These oils help to dilute the plaque and tartar from the teeth and remove them after spitting them out.
4. Avoid smoking and tobacco chewing
Smoking and tobacco chewing causes damage to the enamel layer of the teeth which ultimately increases cavity development. Smoking also weakens the blood vessels below the tooth that causes teeth and gum problems.
5. Eating lesser sweet food
Sugar in many of the sweet foods gives the invitation to many bacteria that causes the cavity to the teeth. Lesser eating of sweet objects will minimize the cavity development in the teeth.
These are some of the oral care routines to follow to keep up better oral health. Apart from the above care, a visit to the dentist after every four months is essential. While the development of a better vaccine is still going on to curb the Covid-19 spreading, it is important to take all possible care by the individuals.
As this is a new disease that just started a year ago, many researchers are going to look into the relationship between oral health and Covid-19. As we all have now become acquainted with the oral health effect on coronavirus, it is important to do an oral care routine properly.
Expert's Opinions
- Dr. Rupali Gujar Dental Director of Sabka dentist says "Oral care does have some effects on the Covid-19 severity of the person. Dental experts suggest maintaining an oral care routine to minimize coronavirus infection. Visiting the dentist after a few months helps to know the dental issue. Proper follow up of oral care can be beneficial for the person."