As the fight against COVID-19 continues in Georgia and across the nation, your dentist in Lawrenceville is going the extra mile to ensure your next visit is as safe as possible. You will likely notice a number of changes at your next checkup due to new dental safety protocols that have been implemented with your health and wellness in mind. Your dentist may also ask you to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash before arriving for your next appointment. What does mouthwash have to do with preventing the spread of the Coronavirus? Keep reading to learn how rinsing with mouthwash can provide an extra layer of protection from potential infections.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash and Infection Prevention
Antimicrobial mouthwash can be a powerful tool when it comes to preventing oral infections. In fact, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine, rinsing with a mouthwash can completely kill microorganisms and harmful oral bacteria within 30 seconds!
Although researchers have not yet studied the effects of mouthwash against the COVID-19 virus, preventing oral infections such as gum disease is more important than ever. Gum disease has been linked to a range of serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes – both of which increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
You can help prevent gum disease and other oral infections by incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine.
Can Mouthwash Disinfect Hands?
Although many popular types of mouthwash do contain alcohol, they should be used as hand sanitizer, even in a pinch. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. Most mouthwashes that contain alcohol – and not all do – typically contain only around 20%. So, while antimicrobial mouthwash may be a great way to keep the inside of your mouth clean and prevent infections, when it comes to clean hands you should continue to wash frequently with soap and water or use actual hand sanitizer.
How Your Dentist Is Taking Action Against COVID-19
Asking you to rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash before you arrive at their office is not the only extra precaution your dentist in Lawrenceville is taking to prevent transmission of the Coronavirus. Additional new dental safety protocols at your dentist’s office may include:
- Health questionnaires and no-touch temperature checks upon arrival
- Fewer chairs in the reception area and one-way foot traffic to maintain social distancing
- Hospital-grade hand sanitizing stations
- HALO-LED air purification system to kill viruses and other pathogens in the air
- Sequenced patients scheduling to allow for more time between visits for cleaning
Despite the many challenges to ordinary life that the COVID-19 pandemic presents, you should not let it prevent you from seeking the oral care you need. To learn more about the measures your dentist is taking to ensure your safety, do not hesitate to reach out to your dental care team today.
About the Author
For over 30 years, Dr. Bruce E. Carter has provided quality dental care in a safe and welcoming environment to residents of Lawrenceville and surrounding communities. An active member of the Georgia Dental Association, he recently implemented 26 new dental safety protocols at his private practice to protect patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about Dr. Carter’s commitment to patient safety and wellness, visit his website or call 770-995-7616.