The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, including how we receive dental care. In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, it’s imperative that everyone do their part to prevent the spread of germs. That’s why you’ll be asked to take a variety of extra precautions at your next dental appointment, including rinsing with a special mouthwash. Read on to find out more about how this extra step during your dental visit works to keep you, your Montrose dentist, and the entire community safe from COVID-19.
What Is an Antimicrobial Mouthwash?
The oral rinse your dentist will be asking you to use is much more powerful that over-the-counter items. Store-bought mouthwashes are typically antiseptic, while the one from your dentist is antimicrobial. The American Dental Association differentiates the two as such:
- Antiseptic oral rinses clear away bacteria and lower the risk of infection using a combination of alcohol, fluoride, and other antiseptic ingredients.
- Antimicrobial oral rinses use specialized compounds to kill or inactivate harmful fungi, bacteria, parasites, and viruses in the mouth.
Will Using an Antimicrobial Mouthwash Burn?
Do you find using mouthwash uncomfortable? Many people shy away from using it because of the unpleasant burning sensation its alcohol content can cause. Thankfully, even though antimicrobial mouthwash is more powerful that store-bought products, it won’t cause discomfort. Instead of using alcohol to disinfect your mouth, these oral rinses use activated chlorine dioxide to comfortably clean away particles. However, you can always talk to your dentist about your concerns before your treatment.
Does Antimicrobial Mouthwash Kill COVID-19?
Typically, antimicrobial mouthwashes are used to help patients with serious oral infections or gum disease. While they have been shown to successfully fight off some viruses, they have not been tested against COVID-19, so experts are unsure of their efficiency against the virus. Nonetheless, eliminating dangerous particles from your mouth is a worthwhile extra precaution that may help keep you and your dental team healthy during your appointment.
Should I Use Mouthwash Every Day to Prevent COVID-19?
Neither the CDC, the ADA, or any other reputable health organization recommends the use of antiseptic mouthwash to protect against COVID-19. The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to practice social distancing and regular handwashing. However, regularly using mouthwash can help protect you from tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. When your mouth is healthy, your immune system can spend more energy on fighting off viruses like the coronavirus.
COVID-19 has changed what your routine dental visits look like, but it hasn’t changed your dentist’s dedication to your overall health. You can rest assured that they are taking every precaution to keep you and your dental team as safe and healthy as possible if you need to come in for care during the pandemic.
About the Practice
At Tamborello Dental Associates, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the community of Montrose. Our highly experienced dental team has always taken infection control seriously and exceeded the ambitious sanitation standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to add 19 additional infection control and dental safety protocols to prevent the spread of germs. If you would like to learn more about what to expect at your next dental appointment or our Commitment to Safety, feel free to contact us via our website or at (713) 522-7540.