The COVID-19 pandemic has changed several aspects of your life in one way or another. You’re taking extra safety precautions to do your part to stop the spread of the virus, like wearing masks in public to keeping your distance from others. Did you know your dentist is also making necessary changes to keep patients safe? During your next visit, you’ll notice many new protocols to keep patients safe, like rinsing before your appointment. Believe it or not, this simple precautionary step might help fight coronavirus.
Can Mouthwash Kill COVID-19?
There’s still much to learn about coronavirus, but researchers learn more about it daily, like the effect mouthwash has on the virus, which is enveloped in a fatty lipid membrane that’s derived from the infected cells. Although COVID-19 hasn’t been tested, researchers know similar viruses can be temporarily neutralized in the mouth when a rinse containing specific ingredients is used.
Since coronavirus is transmitted by aerosol droplets from the mouth and throat, using a mouthrinse before your appointment is a simple preventive measure to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Why Do I Need to Use a Mouthwash at the Dentist?
Your semi-annual appointments have remained relatively unchanged over the years, but you’ll have a new routine next time you visit your dentist. Generally, you’ll brush and floss your teeth before you see your dentist, but now you’ll also be asked to use a special mouthrinse.
This will temporarily kill harmful bacteria and viruses in your mouth to create a safer environment for your dental team. This is a simple step you can take to help do your part to curve the spread of the virus.
Should I Continue to Use a Mouthwash at Home?
Any oral hygiene routine can benefit from a mouthwash catering to your specific needs, like dry mouth or tooth sensitivity; however, it can also promote your health by keeping your mouth clean. As a result, including a mouthrinse in your daily oral hygiene routine can keep your immune system strong to help you stay healthy.
Although it may not have a lasting effect on killing the virus or eliminate it at the source, using a mouthrinse can keep your smile clean to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It may not be as effective as wearing a face mask, but it can help keep your dental team and the community safe.
About Dr. Sarah Pitarra
Dr. Sarah Pitarra strives to provide high-quality dental care that accommodates her patients’ busy lives. She uses the latest innovations in dentistry to deliver advanced solutions to help you reach optimal oral health. In addition to furthering her training regularly, she had also updated her dental safety protocols to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have any questions about our safety standards, or you need to schedule an appointment, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.