How do we take care of our oral health from COVID-19?
Coronavirus was spread from the Wuhan city of china which leads to its huge spread across the globe and leads to tremendous effects across the globe. It is a human-made virus that was created in the labs of china which got spread though seafood and local market places in China.
Vaccines for the virus are yet on trials for our nation and other countries too.
India is on the third stage of a vaccine trial, yet it is also developing 30 min test kit with joining hands with Israel working under the research of DRDO.
During the pandemic time it's quite hard maintaining good oral hygiene as generally the dentists are not available much due to lockdown in localities for the routine checkups cleanings, fillings, and crowns rarely available at hospitals in case of severe emergencies. This article aims to provide you with revolted research-based ideas about maintaining your oral hygiene.
How does oral hygiene affect by coronavirus?
“ Oral cavity is the mirror of the rest of the body “ - by SIR WILLIAM OSLER which tells us that any disease is it diabetes, respiratory illness, cardiac problems, etc symptoms of it are generally reflected in the oral cavity. The oral cavity is an ideal incubator or any viruses which may be harmful or useful bacteria. While we are learning about the COVID-19 and its spread there is currently no evidence of COVID-19 engaging oral cavities. But practicing good oral hygiene prevents the effect of viruses, reduces chances of cavities and periodontal diseases, and maintaining good oral health positivity positively impacts your overall health. The test of 30 mins which would be prepared by the DRDO includes a collection of the samples of the saliva to trace the evidence of the viruses.
How does the coronavirus work inside the body?
Coronavirus enters the body through the eye, nose, or mouth.
Then it passes through the pharynx and moves down to the trachea enters through the bronchioles and binds with the ACE Receptors on the surface.
As the ACE Receptors are generally provided the structural analog with the coronavirus structure it easily binds with the receptors and enters into the cells. The virus multiplies in number after its entry due to the severe replicating mechanism and finally causes the cellular damage which leads to the destruction of the cell, its rupture, and the spread of the coronavirus across the body with a rapid spread. You must be wondering why didn't our immune system stop the virus from spreading into our body. The immune system effects with the entry of the virus which generally causes fever, cough, and headache which are mild symptoms to detect the spread of the virus at cellular levels are not much to detect at early 2-7 days after the virus enters the body. This leads to the rapid spread of the virus behind the scenes were the immune doesn't prepare efficient antibodies to fight against the virus at epidemiological levels. Infection control should be maintained at cellular levels avoiding contact with others as these viruses after infecting the patients generally multiplies and spreads through areoles.
Measures to maintain good oral health during COVID -19 pandemic :
- Replace toothbrushes if exposed to symptoms of COVID-19
- If suffering from Dry Mouth (Xerostomia ) keep your mouth moist b drinking plenty of water
- Avoid drinking of acidic beverages if suffering from mouth irritation
- Brush your teeth for approx 2 mins at a 45degree angle twice a day and floss once.
- Bleeding gums are generally signs of inflammation and gum diseases rinse the mouth with salt and warm water at least at night.
- If you are suffering from severe pain in the tooth due to cavity then use clove oil, garlic paste on the affected areas leave for an overnight this would help to restore from pain if the pain remains then visit a dentist for restoration or root canal treatment.
- Avoid plaque build-up, to prevent floss regularly
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride and zinc as they have antibacterial properties which help from the attack of viruses
