Oral hygiene in Covid

Fact file

Oral diseases have also been reported to be an principal underlying factor for mortality in Covid patients

Dental prophylaxis strengthens the overall immunocompetence of the oral cavity

Dental check-up in order to identify any silent disease is very important to prevent its progress

Brushing teeth twice, flossing and consumption of fibrous food is must

Use of mouthwash is good for oral health

Major effects of Oral Health on General Health

Heart disease | Individuals with gum disease are twice at risk of fatal heart attack

Stroke | A study has linked oral infections with increased chance of a stroke

Diabetes | Oral infections make diabetics more susceptible to increasing blood sugar

Respiratory problems | Individuals with oral infections can be affected with critical respiratory diseases such as pneumonia

Tips for good oral health

Brush and floss teeth regularly

Get an overall dental check-up done from a good dental professional at least every 6 months

Eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

Avoid tobacco intake

Reduce intake of sweets made from refined sugar

During pregnancy, have high intake of healthy food and take good oral care

Parents must brush teeth of very young children on a regular basis. Once they start brushing on their own, keep supervision

Post Covid effects like stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness also hamper overall oral health. Some of the issues are oral ulcers, loss of taste, dry mouth, fungal infections, hyposalivation which leads to caries etc. All these may be either due to side effects of drugs or compromised immunity post Covid.

Dr Neelam Chandwani | assistant professor and in-charge, department of dentistry, AIIMS-Nagpur

Oral hygiene to keep mouth free from bacterial loads is of utmost importance in Covid times. Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure. The slogan ‘Wash your hands and brush your teeth’ can be extended to ‘Wash hands, brush twice and wear mask’.

Dr Ganesh Jadhav | assistant professor, department of dentistry, AIIMS-Nagpur

(Text: Chaitanya Deshpande)