Recovered from Covid-19? Change your Toothbrush and Tongue Cleaner
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
India is witnessing the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 second wave. As the virus has more defining mutations, researchers observe that the covid variant B.1.617 found in India has 3 sub-lineages. Those triple mutants are responsible for the highest transmission and this current calamity in India.
So everyone should be vigilant now than the first wave. In the words of healthcare workers, you should be hygienic and maintain social distancing to avoid infection.
This post carries an essential (oral care) tip for people who are successfully recovered from the COVID-19 virus. If you are one of them, you should dispose 2 things from your daily routine. What are they?
• Toothbrush
• Tongue cleaner
Are you surprised? Keep reading to know the reason.
Why Doctors suggest change your toothbrush and tongue cleaner after recovering from a coronavirus infection?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the coronavirus primarily spreads through the tiny droplets of saliva that came out when an infected person speak, laugh, cough, etc.
As the toothbrush bristles are collectively attached, the chances are higher for the pathogens stick to the bristles when we brush. Right?
Some microbes that lodged deep under the bristles still exist even after the toothbrush is cleaned and dried. In such cases, your toothbrush will re-introduce those germs when you brush. Do you agree?
This is the reason why dentists advise change your toothbrush once you recovered from cold, cough, and other common bacterial infections.
The same applies to COVID-19 infection. Using the same toothbrush and tongue scrapers after recovery will re-infect you due to the microbial survival in those oral appliances.
On the other hand, most families use the same toothbrush holder to store their teeth cleaning appliances. This practice also provides a way for corona transmission. Hence we advise if you have contracted coronavirus, change your toothbrush and tongue cleaner after 20 days of getting the initial symptoms.
In simply, your toothbrush and tongue cleaner can harbor bacteria. Using them after recovering from the covid infection will make you susceptible to suffer again. So it is paramount to replace them with new ones after recovery.
Want essential oral hygiene tips to keep your teeth healthy amidst this pandemic? Contact our dental doctors. We are ready to help.
