Oral Hygiene and COVID-19

Recently, the British Journal of Dentistry published an essay about the relationship between oral hygiene and COVID-19 infection. The paper explained that people should care about their oral hygiene thoroughly since the germs that cause cavities and periodontitis in the mouth can enter the lungs and cause additional illnesses.

The Problem

There are many microbes in our lungs, similar to our mouth, and microbes living in our lungs and mouth move from one another to maintain constancy. But when the periodontitis and cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth move to the lungs, the mucous membrane of the lungs is affected negatively, making it an adequate environment to get respiratory infections. Inflammatory bacteria in the mouth can eventually cause problems in the lungs and lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The Role of Covid-19

COVID-19 is caused by the virus infection, but in fact, the main cause of the patient's negative condition and death is pneumonia caused by bacterial redundant infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome. When pneumonia spreads throughout the lungs, it leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is the main cause of death for COVID-19. According to Italian reports, 96.5% died from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Elder people over 70 years of age should especially be careful, and if they take good care of oral hygiene, they are more likely to improve, but if they don't, the death rate will increase.

To summarize, it is important to note that microbes that cause cavities and periodontitis can cause systemic inflammation, pneumonia, sepsis, and even death. Poor oral care can lead to additional illness after a viral infection, and patients who already have underlying diseases are more vulnerable.

How can I prevent oral diseases and cavities that can increase the risk of death when infected by COVID-19?

- Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, at least two times a day

- Remember the space between teeth: Use dental floss to brush the space between teeth every day.

- Use toothpaste containing Fluorine: Fluorine should be contained about 1,000ppm~1,500pp, in the toothpaste.

- Avoid sugar: Try to avoid that has excessive sugar in it.

- Don’t smoke: Try not to smoke.

- Have regular checkups: Get dental checkup once a month and scaling once a year.

- Antibacterial mouthwash: Use a mouthwash with antibacterial action twice a day after brushing teeth.

- Mouthwash containing Fluorine: Use a mouthwash containing Fluorine twice a day after brushing teeth.

Let's find out about the right way to brush teeth with the help of Professor Choi Yong-hoon of the Dental Clinic.

First, look in the mirror and brush all the teeth with a toothbrush. At this time, toothpaste is only used as much as a chick bean, and it is recommended to use toothpaste that doesn't contain much abrasion. Use a soft, bristly toothbrush, and apply only a little pressure when brushing.

When you brush your teeth, it is important to brush your gums and teeth well. Brush your gums and teeth 45 degrees in the direction of your teeth, giving vibration, and wiping the boundaries. Then, brush the teeth in the direction of the teeth at the border of the gums and repeat the same movement on all teeth which is called the modified bath technique. For the front teeth, move your toothbrush up and down with less pressure.

Only a few people have perfect dental health. You are not the only one that has bad oral health, so please use dental floss and do regular checkups.

Translated from SNUH blog