While looking after your teeth and gums may not be at the front of your mind right now, remember to continue brushing and flossing twice a day to help maintain a healthy smile, and help prevent tooth decay.
Regular brushing and flossing will help with plaque control, which is a major contributor to many oral health issues. Bacteria found in plaque produce acids that attack your tooth enamel, and can eventually lead to tooth decay. Within a few hours of brushing, dental plaque once again makes its appearance on your teeth! Hence the advice to brush at least twice a day, if not more frequently.
Remember too, that the mouth is the gateway to the body. Several studies have found links between poor oral health and other general health problems such as heart attacks and dementia. Scientific studies have also found that the immune response of your body is closely related to the health of your gums. So: Healthy gums should better prepare you to fight a coronavirus infection too.
What you eat and drink is also important! While we are in this enforced isolation, it's all too easy to turn to snacking when we are stressed or bored. So often these are sugary, sticky foods, which again contribute to plaque build up. Try to avoid over-eating on sugary, starchy and processed foods. Avoid hard foods that can crack your teeth or damage fillings, and sugary drinks and alcohol which lead to tooth decay.
If you or a family member have been exposed to coronavirus, and you are self isolating, remember to disinfect your toothbrush. Keep you brush in a glass of mouthwash to keep it free form bacteria, and remember to keep your interdental brushes covered too.