Recovered From Covid-19? Don't Forget To Change Toothbursh, Tongue Cleaner Post Recovery

Microbial survival promotes the reintroduction of potential pathogens into the oral cavity or the spread to other individuals when cleaning devices are stored together or shared, as per the reserach on peer-reviewed journal.

Representational Picture (AFP)

New Delhi: The second wave of coronavirus is sweeping the country like tsunami as the number of infections are increasing every day, and there is a little respite. Even those who have recovered from the viral disease have chances of catching the infection, and vaccines have offered some gleamer of hope to prevent the infection but again it is not foolproof.

In the ever changing scenario as the virus is mutating and new symptoms have emerged in the second wave, it is important for us to take all precautions including those who have caught the infection and those who have just recovered. Also Read: Black Fungus Infection Makes A Comeback In Covid Patients; Know What Causes It & Why It Is Fatal

Those who have just recovered from the viral infection should remember to change their toothbrush as a thumb rule. The idea of changing a toothbrush may not strike you at first go but it is very important because there are always of re-infection and also protect family members who are using the same washroom.

As per the advice of a doctor quoted in the India Today report, it is important to get a new toothbrush, tongue cleaner among other things as the virus can thrive on such things, hence it is better to throw away such things.

Also a research report on the topic oral hygiene habits and possible transmission of COVID-19 among cohabitants, on BMC Oral Health journal noted, "After use, cleaning devices become contaminated and, if not disinfected, can be a reservoir of microorganisms [9] (including bacteria, viruses and fungi) that maintain their viability for a significant amount of time, ranging from 24 h to 7 days. Microbial survival promotes the reintroduction of potential pathogens into the oral cavity or the spread to other individuals when cleaning devices are stored together or shared.

While another expert suggests patients to opt for a new toothbrush and tongue cleaners after recovering from seasonal flu, cough and cold. One of the doctors in the report recommends changing the toothbrush and tongue cleaner after 20 days of getting the first symptoms. It is because the bacteria/virus which may have thrived on toothbrush may cause upper respiratory tract infections.

Covid-19 patients are prescribed to use mouthwash and betadine gargle on a regular basis to help control the build-up of virus/bacteria in the mouth. In absence of a mouthwash, one can also rinse the mouth with warm saline water.

Also, brushing twice a day is known as it helps to maintain our oral hygiene.  The importance of oral hygiene and changing toothbrush and tongue cleaner after recovering from Covid-19 is comprehended better if we know how SARS-CoV-2 spreads.

According to the World Health Organisation, the virus typically spreads through tiny droplets that come out from an infected person's mouth when they cough, sneeze, shout, talk, laugh etc.

You may get get infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands. Hence, make sure that after your recovery from the disease you immedicately opt for a new toothbrush and anything related to your oral hygiene.