Maintaining good oral health during COVID-19 is critical. Along with the coronavirus, people are also at risk of oral health disparities. It has led to the closure and reduced hours of dental practices, except for emergency cases, limiting routine care for patients.
At Boones Landing Dental Center, Dr. Margaret Boone and Dr. Boone can share dental hygiene tips to not only protect your mouth but also disinfect your cleaning essentials.
Relationship Between Oral Health and COVID-19
The four main risk factors for severe COVID-19 are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. All these risk factors are linked to poor oral health. For example, if a person has periodontal disease, their risk of getting heart disease increases to 25%. Moreover, they're nearly 3 times more at risk of diabetes. Evidence also shows that poor oral health can cause severe respiratory complications.
Nearly 20% of COVID-19 victims had high oral bacterial levels that affected their progress. Improving dental hygiene and health may prevent further infections on those suffering from COVID-19. Neglecting oral health care during COVID-19 can potentially transition minor cases into more urgent situations.
To learn more about the relationship between oral health and COVID-19, we recommend visiting Dr. Margaret Boone and Dr. Boone at Boones Landing Dental Center
How to Keep a Healthy Mouth During COVID-19
Many patients are overdue for regular check-ups during the pandemic, which makes dental hygiene more critical. We hear about wearing masks and washing our hands, but we fail to realize that toothbrushes also harbor bacteria, blood, and saliva. Disinfect your toothbrush by rinsing it in 0.5% hydrogen peroxide for at least 10-15 minutes.
Secondly, use fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Lastly, avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugary foods, and add fresh vegetables and fruits to prevent oral conditions.
At Boones Landing Dental Center, Dr. Margaret Boone or Dr. Booneare here to diagnose and treat your dental problems during COVID-19. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (503) 601-0610 today.
Maintaining good oral health during COVID-19 is critical. Along with the coronavirus, people are also at risk of oral health disparities. It has led to the closure and reduced hours of dental practices, except for emergency cases, limiting routine care for patients.