Better oral hygiene could help reduce Covid-19 severity: Study reveals

A latest research conducted by the University of Birmingham, found that daily oral health care could aid in the reduction of disease severity in those battling the COVID-19 infection. The researchers noted that the coronavirus could pass into people's lungs from the saliva, if individuals are suffering from gum disease.

For the study, investigators created a model using CT scans of lungs from patients who had confirmed COVID-19 infection.

The study published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research, shows that there is emerging evidence that some mouthwashes are highly effective at inactivating the Covid-19 virus.

Experts recommended that the public should take simple measures to maintain their oral hygiene such as careful tooth brushing to reduce plaque build-up and use of mouthwashes or even saltwater rinsing to reduce gingival inflammation. These simple steps could help decrease the viral concentration in the saliva.

Apart from these, here are some important tips suggested by Dentists so that people do not get re-infected.

A person who has recently recovered from Covid-19 should change their toothbrush and tongue cleaner after 20 days of getting the first symptoms. This not only protects the person from chances of re-infection but can also save others who use the same washroom in the house.

Covid-19 patients are advised to dry and disinfect their toothbrush and tongue cleaner.

One should also use mouthwash and do gargles using betadine as it helps in reducing the build-up of virus and bacteria in the mouth.

If someone in the family has contracted Covid-19, it is also important not to keep toiletry items (toothbrush, tongue cleaner, etc) of the household together as it increases the chances of transmission.