The Mouth-Body Connection: Oral Care in the Time of COVID-19
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The Mouth-Body Connection: Oral Care in the Time of COVID-19

The Mouth-Body Connection: Oral Care in the Time of COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak upended our way of life — from the way we interact and care for each other to how we care for ourselves. Maintaining good health is at the forefront of many people’s minds these days, but in addition to physical health, it’s just as important to consider your oral health, as well.

Did you know that the mouth can serve as a “window” into the general condition of the body? The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Without proper care, oral bacteria can travel into the bloodstream, to virtually any other site in the body. This opens the door to a wide range of physical conditions that can develop or worsen – including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and others — increasing the risk of contracting COVID.

Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities and gum disease.

  1. Be consistent. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.
  2. Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles can hurt your gums.
  3. Don’t forget the hard-to-reach places. Areas of crowding, as well as wisdom teeth tend to be harder to clean and thus, cause disease at a higher rate.
  4. Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again.
  5. Swish for extra protection: Use a mouthwash to further promote oral health.
  6. See your dentist: Although most states relaxed their social distancing mandates and slowly allowed for businesses to reopen starting in late May, patients still may have differing levels of comfort about attending appointments. Emergency dental care has always been available, and you should not hesitate to seek care if you have swelling, pain, bleeding, or other conditions that require immediate attention. 

Call your dentist to determine the best course of action if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Fortunately in our area, dental offices quickly were allowed and encouraged to see patients for non-emergency treatment. This reinforces our ability to provide hygiene services and other treatment that could turn into a bigger issue if not addressed.

As a “new normal emerges,” you’ll find these same tried-and-true dental hygiene practices will go a long way in protecting the health of your teeth, gums — and body! 

For more information on ways to care for your smile, visit smiledesigncenter.us or call  321-751-7775.

 

Rob Brown, DDS has had advanced training in oral surgery and dental implants. He is a National Health Service Corps Scholar and has worked in Brevard County with underserved communities. He believes that behind each smile is an individual with goals to live a healthy, productive life. He knows the importance of the oral-systemic connection and that you cannot be healthy without a healthy mouth.

 

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