You’ve experienced several changes to life as you’ve known it since the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing face masks and spending more time at home aren’t the only differences. You’ll also notice several changes when it’s time to visit your dentist again, like using a mouthrinse before your appointment. Your dentist asks you to use it for another reason other than just minty fresh breath. Here’s why your dentist has implemented a special rinse into their safety protocols to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Can Mouthrinse Kill COVID-19?
There’s still much to learn about COVID-19; however, we know the virus is transmitted by particles from the throat, mouth, and nose. As a result, it’s normal to assume a mouthwash can kill the virus to prevent it from being spread to person-to-person, but is it effective?
Most over-the-counter mouthrinses can kill 99.9% of bacteria. Unfortunately, few products have been tested against coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean all mouthwashes are ineffective. Researchers have analyzed the potential role certain active ingredients in mouthwashes can have in killing COVID-19. They found those that contain chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can temporarily reduce the presence of the virus in the mouth.
Why is My Dentist Asking Me to Use a Mouthrise?
Although the effects of a mouthwash may only last for a few minutes, it reduces the risk of potentially transmitting the virus to your dental team. Research shows the virus can still be spread, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. As a result, using a mouthwash before your appointment is now a common practice in dentistry.
Although it’s only a small change, and it may not be a cure, it can have significant results in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Besides using a mouthrinse, your dentist will also take additional measures to ensure the health of their patients and staff, like wearing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing in the office.
Should I Use a Mouthwash at Home?
A mouthwash can be the perfect compliment to your oral hygiene routine, especially when dealing with specific issues, like dry mouth or bad breath. There are several rinses catering to your specific concerns to improve your oral health in between appointments. Since you may need to go longer between visits with your dentist, it’s best to be proactive about your oral health at home. You’ll maintain a healthy smile and strong immune system to keep COVID-19 at bay.
Choose Safe Dental Care
As the country reopens and you’re able to see your dentist again, your dental office has made several changes to prevent COVID-19. While dental offices are already some of the cleanest places, your dentist will go the extra mile to keep everyone safe.
About Dr. Makadia
Dr. Makadia is committed to providing quality dental care with patient safety a top priority. He’s implemented several changes to create a sterile environment for his patients. If you have any questions about our COVID-19 safety protocols, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.