In order to protect yourself and the people close to you from COVID-19, you need to pay close attention to every aspect of your health. Naturally, your mouth is no exception. Quarantine should give you plenty of time for regular brushing and flossing, but if you want mouth to be as clean as possible, you may want to consider adding a few additional steps to your oral hygiene routine. Read on to learn why your dentist in Millersville may suggest using mouthwash during a time when everyone needs to be concerned about their health.
Can Mouthwash Help Protect You from Illness?
As of now, there is a very limited body of evidence that suggests that mouthwash could help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 or similar diseases. The ADA has noted that most of the studies regarding this subject were very small in scale, so there’s not enough info to make a definitive conclusion. At the same time, though, it is well-established that mouthwash can reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. Note that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and move on to cause damage in other parts of the body; thus, mouthwash could go a long way towards preventing long-term health issues. It’s also a useful way to get rid of debris that has gotten stuck in a crevice that a toothbrush just can’t reach, thus preventing cavities and gum disease.
Again, there’s little evidence that mouthwash will directly combat the spread of COVID-19, but in times like these, any steps that you can safely take in order to improve your general health could end up making a difference in the long run.
What’s the Best Way to Use Mouthwash?
First, you need to be very particular about the kind of mouthwash you use. It’s generally best to look for products that have antibacterial properties and are free of alcohol.
You should always follow whatever instructions are on the bottle you use, but if you don’t have access to this information, try following these steps:
- Pour out a set amount of liquid depending on the manufacturer’s advice.
- Rinse for about 30 seconds and swish the liquid around so that it touches all areas of your teeth.
- Gargle for 30 seconds to a minute to get rid of any harmful bacteria that has built up near the back of the tongue.
- Always spit out your mouthwash after swallowing. Do not rinse your mouth immediately afterwards; you want to give any fluoride that was in the mouthwash time to work.
If you have questions about using mouthwash, ask yourself, “Where’s a reliable dentist near me?” Then get in touch with their office and see what kind of recommendations they can give you regarding your oral hygiene routine.
About the Author
Dr. Devon Conklin relishes the chance to build relationships with her patients, improve their health, and help them feel better about themselves. She is dedicated to continuing her education so that she can always offer the latest techniques and procedures at Conklin & Ward Dental Group. If you have questions about the type of care that’s available or how you can protect your mouth during a time when everyone is concerned about COVID-19, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Conklin by visiting her website or calling (410) 583-7010.