It’s likely the answer is YES!
Scientific research is just emerging but what we do know is that covid-19 enters your body through your nose and mouth. It attaches to the soft tissues within the mouth and acts as a stomping ground for the virus to grow over time.
Your mouth is closely related to your respiratory system and bad bugs from the mouth can be easily aspirated into your lungs.
We all know that COVID-19 spreads via saliva droplets and that is why we wear our masks and adhere to social distancing rules.
But, did you know you can reduce the viral load in your saliva by cleaning well everyday which in turn, will help to protect you and those around us.
You can do this at home by cleaning between your teeth with interdental aids or floss and by using an electric toothbrush with a round oscillating head twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Don’t forget to use a pea sized amount of toothpaste, spit it out and DON’T rinse it away with water or mouthwash.
Ingredients present in most toothpastes act in a similar way that sanitisers do on your hands.
Studies are suggesting that since poor oral hygiene increases systemic inflammation and that this may further predispose us to aggravating infections such as COVID-19(Sampson 2020)
Remember, your dental team is an essential service and we are here to help you.
You are still able to book with your dental hygienist regularly to have the germs in your mouth disrupted and to have your oral hygiene technique checked for effectiveness.
Do what you can to protect yourself and others around you. There is light at the end of the tunnel and every effort will help us fight this terrible virus.
