BRUSH your teeth before you go shopping to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, according to Professor Martin Addy, emeritus professor of dentistry at the University of Bristol.
Prof Addy believes that the use of toothpaste could play a role in preventing coronavirus infection and should not only be a key consideration for healthcare workers but for all of the general public.
“Like many respiratory diseases, the infective microorganisms, including coronavirus, are spread in salivary droplets expelled from the mouth. This can be via coughing, sneezing or even talking,” Prof Addy said.
“Toothpastes, almost from their conception, contain detergents, which are found in many antimicrobial hand washes recommended against coronavirus.
“Luckily the antimicrobial action of toothpaste doesn’t disappear the minute you brush your teeth – it persists for a few hours after, so the viral load in saliva will be reduced while being out and about.”
Bearing in mind that 23 per cent of adults brush once a day and one per cent of adults never brush their teeth, Prof Addy added: “A twice-daily brushing habit is ideal and people can consider an extra tooth brush before going out, when the lockdown is eased, to the hair salon, gym, nail bar, doctor, dentist and especially into hospitals.”
This advice doesn’t only apply to adults, it can also help children. Twenty five per cent of children don’t brush their teeth twice a day. Now is the time for parents and carers to encourage the children to brush twice a day, every day – and thoroughly, for two minutes. Having a protocol in school where the teachers and children are encouraged to brush before the morning and afternoon sessions could be brought in.
Prof Addy, reflected that, “Nurses, carers, dentists and medics should make brushing their teeth part of their cross-infection protocol before donning their PPE.”
This recommendation may be of particular importance to care homes where the spread of coronavirus is more than the general population.
During the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions there will be more interactions with family and friends so brushing before we put on our face covering could become part of our daily routine.
